Public research to evaluate perception of risk associated with breast implants

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) requires research to provide the patient and public perception of risk related to breast implants. The outputs in conjunction with existing evidence may inform regulatory decision making on the use of breast implants on the UK market.

There is a need to conduct research due to a rise in reported cases of Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma known as BIA-ALCL and other symptoms related to breast implants.

The aim of the research is to gauge public perception of acceptable levels of risk amongst specific subject groups.

In all cases, we are interested in people who are pre and post-surgery. We want to determine how attitudes to risk may vary amongst different groups and at various different stages in their journey.

We require a research organisation/Supplier to manage and deliver these research services, taking responsibility for (not an exhaustive list): participant recruitment including the payment of any incentive payments; sampling; questionnaire and script/topic guide design; fieldwork; analysis; and producing the reporting and data outputs. We consider a range of research methodologies could be effective in this delivery. The appointed Supplier should be experienced in handling research projects on sensitive subjects (especially in the healthcare sector) and with potentially hard-to-recruit participants.

We consider a range and/or combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies could be effective in this delivery, such as face-to-face, telephone, and online approaches including panels, tripod interviews, focus groups, and depth interviews. Research organisations/tenderers are requested to provide details of appropriate methodologies/approaches that ensure that the research aims and objectives are met.

Call-Off Contract from CCS DPS RM6018.