A multimethods approach FOR defining a strategy TO engagE vulnerable families in research

In the UK, there is an empirical link between deprivation and poor child health outcomes. Children from the most deprived groups present more frequently at emergency departments (and make less use of preventative health services) than those from the least deprived groups. This chapter reports the multimethods approach to defining a strategy for engaging vulnerable families in a study to develop a needs-led health literacy intervention for parents to help them to manage minor childhood illness and appropriately navigate health services. The research encompasses secondary analysis of published statistical data to define the target population for the study, qualitative work with those already working with vulnerable communities and community members themselves and a literature review to help define an engagement strategy to address the barriers and sensitivities of engaging groups who may be hard to reach in academic research.