Paediatric Event Case Studies Rebekah

Investigating the spread of scarlet fever and Strep A in schools and how to better engage children with the project

By line: A Research Café case study by Rebekah Bingham  

Story editor: Lizzie Blunt - MSc Science Communication work placement student 

Public Health Research · Patient & Public Involvement · Children & Young People 

Rebekah’s Project 

The last 10 years have seen an increase in strep throat and scarlet fever in England. While most often treated easily and successfully with antibiotics, sometimes they can become more serious infections (such as pneumonia). By collecting samples from children in schools where it has spread, Rebekah’s team hope to understand more about the spread of Strep A and how children respond, with the ultimate goal of preventing future outbreaks and children experiencing serious illness.  

Why Rebekah went to the Research Café 

The Research Café gave Rebekah the opportunity to hear children’s views on a project that directly relates to them. They could feedback what they understood, and questions they had, and allow Rebekah to consider how to explain the project in a clear and more engaging way.

What Rebekah heard 

Rebekah had an engaged audience with the children who visited her table. They thought being involved in a science experiment would be interesting and fun and therefore would be happy to take part in the study. Their ideas for increasing recruitment for the study included class demonstrations, where the team could visit the class the day before sampling to show everyone what it would involve.

Impact 

“We felt it was key to consider their perspectives and ensure these were included in the study design and execution” 

Rebekah and her team are taking on board the feedback from the children they spoke to at the Research Café, including suggestions of bringing some of the swabs and agar plates (equipment used to take samples in the study) to help engagement, as well as in-class demonstrations and hosting a school science workshop.