G225(P) Does wearing a uniform matter? the impact of research nurses wearing a uniform whist seeking parental consent to research trials

Abstract

Background and aims: To explore staff and parental preference for research nurses (RNs) wearing a uniform whilst recruiting to multi-centre randomised controlled trials in a regional Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Methods: 62 questionnaires were given to non-research PICU staff. Multiple choice questions asked what they would prefer to see RNs wearing when approaching parents about research. 24 questionnaires were given out to parents who had been approached about research trial participation in PICU. Multiple choice questions asked whether they would prefer to be approached for consent by a RN wearing a clinical nurse uniform, alternative uniform or their own clothes (pictorial representations given). As service evaluation, ethics approval was not required. Results: (Table Presented) Reasons given by parents for choosing 'uniform' included ease of identification, trust and professionalism. For 31% (n= 5) of parents, nurse clothing was likely to have influenced their decision to give their consent; free text answers did not clearly indicate whether this would be in a positive or negative way. Conclusions: The results display a preference towards research nurses wearing a uniform, however there is no agreement as to what that uniform should be. Further research would be needed to conclude whether wearing a uniform influences parental decisions to consent for their child to participate in research trials and before any recommendations can be made for practice.