When two worlds collide - the experiences of academic and Local Authority teams in implementing a cluster randomised control trial to test the impact of the MapMe tool on child healthy weight maintenance: a qualitative study.

AIMS: Little is known about Local Authority (LA) teams' involvement in and delivery of research trials. The National Childhood Measurement Programme (NCMP) measures the weight status of 4- to 5- and 10- to 11-year-olds and communicates the results to parents, via letter. However, parents can be surprised by these results. The MapMe2 intervention is a web-based tool delivered by LAs to improve parental acknowledgement and understanding of childhood overweight and obesity. This article focuses on the practicalities and challenges of the research team and LA stakeholders working together.

METHOD: Ten English LAs agreed to collaborate with the research team to test MapMe and deliver the intervention via the NCMP results letter. This qualitative study aimed to collect and compare the experiences of the research team and the LA stakeholders in the implementation and delivery of the trial. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the project delivery processes were online.

RESULTS

Nine research team members and 48 stakeholders took part in an interview, focus group or completed a questionnaire. The main challenges identified were communication and dissemination of information, understanding differences between university/LA processes, research involvement being a new concept to LAs and changes in LA staff.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite challenges faced, those who contributed to the trial displayed enthusiasm and resolve to complete what was required. While taking longer than anticipated, the delivery of the trial and data transfer was completed. Participants provided valuable insights and personal experiences of implementing a trial. The results highlight the complexities and system barriers that academic and LA teams still face in implementing research together. Recent developments to support LA research cultures and the findings from this study will benefit others planning similar collaborations in future.