Background: A metropolitan Local Health District (LHD) commissioned a research study to understand the experience of people bereaved following a death in the LHD.

Aim: The aim of the study was to understand the experience of people bereaved in the LHD. This poster aims to reflect on lessons learned regarding participant recruitment and engagement.

Methods:  The multi method protocol comprised an online survey and qualitative interviews. Invitations were mailed to the Next of Kin of adult patients who died in the LHD in the previous 2-15 months. A QR code took participants to the online survey, on completion of which participants could enter contact details offering to undertake an interview. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed with a thematic analysis approach. Survey results analysed using descriptive statistics.

Findings/Lessons learned: Use of a postal invitation conveyed respect to participants, though raised logistical challenges and sustainability concerns given the large volume of letters to send. Engagement with volunteers ensured the success of the mail out process. Feedback was received that use of QR code to complete the survey on a smart phone may have limited open text responses. Some participants preferred to have the survey link provided to complete on a computer, or over the phone with a research officer. An SMS reminder was an effective means of increasing the response rate. An unexpectedly high number of participants offered to take part in an interview, a planned system to respond to these offers was necessary, including understanding the participant’s hopes in undertaking an interview. Translation of the survey into community languages would have increased accessibility and validity, and could have been possible had more time been available for the total project.

Conclusions: Lessons learned from this project could assist future bereavement projects in participant recruitment, engagement and efficiency of implementation.