The Research Delivery Network (RDN) is moving towards a Digital First approach for offering the Participant in Research Experience Survey (PRES).

All research delivery colleagues can now use the myresearchexperience.com platform to offer PRES digitally, giving participants greater flexibility in how they complete the survey.

Ways to offer Digital PRES:

• Using an organisation’s device (e.g. tablet or computer available on-site)

• Providing a unique 8-digit code, which the participant can use on their own device via the website

• Emailing the survey directly to the participant

The platform is linked to CPMS, allowing the correct study name and ID to be pulled through automatically. This helps minimise data quality issues, such as participants entering incorrect study details.

Accessibility and Compatibility

The platform includes improved accessibility features to support a wider range of participants. You can find more information about these features throughout the page and the FAQ.

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Strengthening research participant experience data through digital first PRES 

The transition to a digital-first approach to the Participant in Research Experience Survey (PRES) is a key step in ensuring that our approach to gathering research experience data is efficient, inclusive, and sustainable. While paper-based options will remain where necessary, prioritising digital solutions have the potential to reduce administrative burden, enhance data quality, and improve participant experience.

Key Benefits of a Digital-First PRES Approach

1. Increased response rates and more actionable data

• Over time, as digital PRES becomes more established and familiar to participants, we anticipate an increase in response rates due to improved accessibility and convenience.

• The flexibility of digital participation reduces survey fatigue, allowing participants to complete the PRES at their convenience (e.g. via email or QR codes).

2. Reduced administrative burden and improved efficiency

• Reduces manual data entry—responses are collected and processed in real time.

• Standardised digital formats reduce errors and ensure consistency across research sites and regions.

• Delivery teams appreciate the ease of offering PRES through multiple formats (e.g., email, online links), reducing reliance on paper-based distribution.

• A standard national platform can be scaled without additional costs, increasing the opportunity to expand response rates to PRES.

3. Enhanced participant experience and accessibility

• Digital PRES provides multiple ways to engage, ensuring greater accessibility for diverse participant groups.

• Participants have more control over when and how they complete the survey, removing pressure from on-site completion.

• Accessibility features such as screen readers, adjustable text sizes, and multi-language options ensure an inclusive experience for all.

4. Strengthened Data Quality and Security

• Automated data validation is expected to reduce incomplete or incorrect responses, improving data integrity.

• Secure digital platforms comply with GDPR and NHS data protection standards, safeguarding participant information.

• Standardised digital formats help reduce errors and improve consistency across research sites and settings, though local adaptations may still be needed.

5. Sustainability and Cost Efficiency

• A digital-first PRES approach aligns with NIHR’s commitment to sustainability, minimising reliance on paper and reducing logistical costs.

• Reducing printing, transport, and storage requirements lowers the carbon footprint of research delivery.

Supporting a Practical and Flexible Transition

While digital PRES offers significant advantages, we recognise that some participants and settings may still require paper-based alternatives, particularly in regions where digital uptake is lower or accessibility barriers exist.The transition will be gradual, flexible, and supported, ensuring that all sites are equipped with the tools and resources needed to implement digital solutions effectively. Key support measures include:

• Guidance and training for delivery teams on maximising digital PRES adoption.

• Centralised resources and best practice sharing across regions.

• Continued evaluation to ensure PRES remains accessible, effective, and participant-focused.

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Resources

• NIHR Blueprint & Sustainability Strategy

• RDN Mission & Vision

• Best Research for Best Health: The Next Chapter

• NIHR Inclusion and Diversity Strategy

• NIHR Data Protection & Security Guidelines

For higher-recruiting studies or when contacting multiple participants at once (e.g. thank-you emails or study follow-ups), you can request study-specific PRES links that can be shared with multiple participants.

These bespoke links are created upon request and should be used primarily for large-scale studies. If you are unsure whether this applies to your study, please get in touch with your regional RDN contact.

To request a study-specific link, please provide:

• Study Name

• IRAS/CPMS ID

• Site Name

• PRES age brackets needed (e.g. Adult, 0–6 years, 7–11 years, 12–15 years)

We will then generate a link that can be used by multiple participants.

One of the key benefits of the myresearchexperience.com platform is the built-in accessibility support, powered by ReciteMe.

These features help make PRES more accessible to a wider range of participants, including those with visual, cognitive, or language needs.

Accessibility tools include:

• Translation into multiple languages

• Text-to-speech, including for translated text

• Customisation of text and background colours

• Adjustment of font size and font type

• Screen masking and ruler tools to aid with reading focus
  
  

To enable the accessibility toolbar, click the ‘Accessibility’ button in the top-right corner of myresearchexperience.com.
Guidance on how to use these features is available via the toolbar.