Expressions of gratitude may be delivered at various timepoints in a project, such as a thank you card or letter, a phone call or video message, or a certificate of completion. Expressing gratitude can be a powerful recognition of the contribution research participants make to the research endeavour. However, when done poorly this can also come across as tokenistic and potentially be counterproductive, so the timing and messages should be co-designed with consumer representatives.
Considerations
- Expressions of gratitude such as thank you cards, letters, or calls, or a certificate of completion can be a powerful recognition of the contribution research participants make to the research endeavour.
- When done poorly, they can also come across as tokenistic and potentially be counterproductive, so the timing and messages should be co-designed with consumer representatives.
- If these types of messages are to be provided at multiple timepoints in a study, researchers could seek ethical approval by submitting a communication plan and relevant templates.
Participant experience
- Expressing gratitude to research participants can be impactful if they are personalised, but the sponsor needs to carefully consider if they are right for the project.
- I truly believe that appreciation goes a long way, whether it's in research or other areas of life.
- When my son had finished 27 months of cancer treatment, I had to request a certificate for him. It was cheap and nasty looking, so I’m still triggered by that.
- It’s a nice surprise – it’s always nice to show gratitude – but I don’t think it’s a given.
- I think a personal phone call as a thank you would be much better for me.
- Something as simple as a personalised thank you card makes participants feel more comfortable that maybe their best interests are being taken into consideration, and they are not just a number.
Suggestions
- Discuss best timing and content for these with reference group, as they can come across as insensitive if poorly done
- Consider the participants’ current circumstances before sending, and check if there are communication preferences or support people who should be included.
- The message could also be a thank you call or video recording, or include artwork from participants in the research
- The message could be combined with sending updates about study progress or individual results
- Personalising the item may be best done by study staff who interacted with the participant.
