Table 1 Sampling, recruitment and data collection strategy
Sample | Recruitment strategy and timescale | Data collection methods and proposed sample size |
|---|---|---|
1. Participants receiving the intervention | People who are homeless with problem substance use who are engaged with the intervention A sub-group of those in the intervention will be identified by researchers as the process evaluation sample for qualitative data collection. Timescale: months 9–11 and 16–17 | As part of the holistic health check (n = 60), standardised measures of socio-demographic characteristics, housing status/quality and general health status; quality of life (SF36); substance use (SURE and MAP); mental health (GAD7 and PHQ9); will be used, plus measures to assess relationship quality (CARE). All participants will have this information collected if they consent to the health checks and the data collection component. The health checks will be conducted twice, towards the start and near the end of the intervention, by researchers. Individual face-to-face interviews (n = 20–25) conducted on two occasions by Peer Researchers approximately 20–40 min in duration. Interviews will examine various elements of feasibility and acceptability of intervention (except in Liverpool where only one interview will be attempted due to shortened intervention). |
2. Participants who have dropped out | People who are homeless with problem substance use who initially engage but leave the intervention early, identified by the Service Manager and invited to complete a short, structured questionnaire. Timescale: as soon as possible after ending engagement. | All participants who drop out will be provided (via the Service Manager where the Peer Navigator is based) with a short questionnaire to voluntarily complete and return via a sealed envelope. This will ask questions about their experiences of working with the Peer Navigator and the reasons underlying their decision to withdraw their participation. This will not be shared with the Peer Navigator but go directly to the study Chief Investigator. |
3. Peer Navigators | All four Peer Navigators employed for the duration of the project (training/intervention development, mid-intervention delivery and towards the end of the intervention period). | Individual interviews (n = 4) at three time points conducted by researchers (approx. 60–90 min). Interviews examine recruitment, health checks and potential outcome measures, training and support/supervision, fit to context, fidelity, acceptability—topics informed by feasibility study literature [73]. |
4. Service staff in intervention and standard care settings | Support workers, team leaders, managers/other staff working in the six intervention sites and two standard care settings. Timescale: months 6–12 | Interviews (n = 16 across intervention/standard care sites), conducted by researchers (approx. 60 min) examining issues listed in box above, drawing on feasibility study literature on areas of focus noted above [73]. |
5. Intervention/standard care settings | Six intervention sites and two standard care sites will be included Timescale: months 6–12 | Semi-structured, non-participant observations in all sites to gain an understanding of the of the culture and context of the settings, staffing levels, client group, activities provided, and fit between intervention and setting in the intervention sites. |