Do you have experience caring for a child who has recurrent ear infections?

Help researchers find out how effective preventive antibiotics are for children with recurrent ear infections.

About three out of four children in the UK will experience at least one ear infection by the time they turn five. Many children have more than one infection, and if a child has five or more ear infections in just one year, it's called recurrent ear infections. These infections can be upsetting for the child and their family, often leading to sleepless nights and missed school or work.

In this study, the researchers want to find out if giving children small amounts of antibiotics over a long time helps treat recurrent ear infections. We also want to see if this treatment causes any side effects and if it is worth the cost.

What experience do I need to help?

• Having personal experience as a parent caring for a child who frequently gets ear infections
• Being able to share helpful ideas and work well with others
• Being good at talking and listening clearly
• Understanding the difficulties faced by parents, families, and children dealing with recurrent ear infections

What will I be asked to do?

• You will be asked to attend meetings, review and provide feedback on documents relating to the study.
• You will also serve as a critical friend, giving the research team advice that focuses on what is best for patients.
• You will be asked if you would like to be a co-applicant on the funding application.

How long will I be needed for?

• You will attend meetings up until the funding application deadline of the 11 September.

If the study is successful in gaining funding, your will be asked to:

• be part of this project for about four to five years. 
• be asked to attend monthly 60-minute meetings. There will be other people like you attending the meetings, so you might take turns attending.
• Before each meeting, you'll need to spend around one or two hours reviewing some documents. 

You will also be a member of a larger group called the Public Advisory Group, which meets twice a year.

What are some of the benefits for me?

• Be part of a research project that directly impacts healthcare outcomes and patient experiences
• Gain experience contributing to clinical research and influencing study design and delivery

 What support is offered?

• Cover reasonable travel expenses and additional carer or childcare costs,
• Offer payment for time of £25.00 per hour (people can request less if they are in receipt of state benefits).
• Supported by a member of the team who will explain the project and discuss any questions you have.

Have a look at our guidelines for more information about this. 

If you are receiving any benefits, you can access confidential advice from the Benefits Advice Service for Involvement.  

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