Reaching seldom heard groups
Why use Picker Institute Europe's services?
We recognise the need to be sensitive to the specific needs of different social and ethnic groups. We specialise in consulting disadvantaged groups, including those with disabilities or from minority ethnic groups; those from particular communities of need or geographic locations; and those with specific diagnoses.
How we can help
Our approach includes:
Expert understanding of the issues
Using existing community networks
Awareness of gender and culture issues
Using the language of the target group
Survey freephone helpline
Survey translation
Expert understanding of the issues
Reaching seldom heard groups encompasses more than just 'listening to minority ethnic groups'. It can equally include the very young, the very old, those with disabilities etc. Intensive, in-depth, pro-active techniques are required to recruit and genuinely engage with diverse stakeholder groups.
View research work by the Picker Institute carried out on behalf of the Care Quality Commission:
Stakeholder consultation
Literature review
Using existing community networks
Where possible we conduct engagement activities with the involvement and support of existing community groups who have the trust and respect of the target population. As well as aiding the recruitment of participants, community group involvement can help alleviate any mistrust or wariness on the part of minority groups unfamiliar with the health system's feedback mechanisms.
Awareness of gender and culture issues
We are sensitive to cultural issues such as how the dynamics in focus groups and other feedback activities can be influenced by the selection of the participants.
Using the language of the target group
Rather than employing translators and interpreters, we conduct focus groups, and other in-person engagement methods, as far as possible in the language of the target group. This enables smoother running, more effective events.
Survey freephone helpline
Surveys are conducted with a freephone helpline service enabling anyone receiving a questionnaire to call us, at our expense, with any questions they have about the survey. If respondents prefer they can complete the questionnaire through a telephone interview. A freephone translation service is available for non-English speaking respondents.
Survey translation
Surveys and accompanying documentation are translated into the languages required to reach given audiences.
View examples
Learn about our service in action with clients