Exploring the impact of ‘not knowing’: an invitation for parents and caregivers to take part in research

Researchers from the University of Nottingham would like to interview parents and caregivers of children with a diagnosed food allergy about their experiences of uncertainty so that they can provide the right help and support. 

See the invitation to take part below:

A study exploring the impact of uncertainty on parents and caregivers of children with food allergy: ‘Not knowing’

We need your help

This study would like to interview parents and caregivers of children with food allergy about their experiences.

What is the problem?

Parents and caregivers of children with food allergy tell us that ‘not knowing’ is a big worry for them. This might be not knowing when their child might have an allergic reaction or what the reaction will be like or not knowing if other people understand how to look after their child when parents or caregivers aren’t with them. Research highlights ‘not knowing’, or uncertainty, increases anxiety and can influence the way families engage with their child’s health care team. We want to understand more about parent and caregivers experience of uncertainty so that we can provide the right help and support for them.

What do I need to do?

We would like to undertake telephone or online interviews (maximum one hour) with parents and caregivers of children with a diagnosed food allergy about their experiences of uncertainty. We’re interested to hear about the things they find hard, why they think they are hard and what helps or doesn’t help. 

How do I find out more?

If you would about like to know more taking part, contact the researcher:

Anne McDonnell (MA Research Methods (Health).
Nurse Specialist (Children and Young People’s Allergy/Immunology)/NIHR/HEE ICA Pre doctorate Clinical Academic Fellowship)

Contact the researcher