Maximising engagement and participation of intellectual disability (ID) staff in research: insights from conducting a UK-wide survey

Aim: This paper explores ways of maximising research engagement of ID staff as research participants, research advisors and research implementors.
Method: The authors describe and reflect on a three-phased strategy in recruiting frontline staff (n=690) working for ID service providers (n=25) to participate in a UK-wide anonymous online survey about death, dying and bereavement.
Results: Important elements in engaging participants were: involving stakeholders at all stages of the research process, which includes building relationships with participating organisations; enlisting organisational management support at all levels; an attractive and well laid-out collection tool; a well-structured recruitment strategy; time and flexibility; and a varied and targeted dissemination strategy. However, the recruitment method had limitations, in particular around representativeness, bias and generalisability.
Conclusions: Staff in ID services can be enthusiastic and invaluable research participants. Active engagement between researchers, participating organisations and stakeholder groups is key to ensuring involvement of ID staff with research.