We are looking for the following groups to take part:
– Children and young people with a diagnosis of OCD (aged 7-12)
– Their parents/guardians
– School staff who work directly with children and young people (e.g. teachers, learning
support staff, SENCOs)
– Clinicians with experience working with children and young people with OCD
Pre-existing experience or knowledge of OCD is not needed for school staff to take part!
What is the purpose of the study?
Due to the amount of time spent in educational settings, teachers and other support staff are
uniquely situated to recognise early signs and symptoms. Currently, there is a lack of accessible and
evidence-based information for school staff regarding how they can support children and young
people (CAYP) experiencing OCD symptoms. The purpose of this research study is to create a
resource for school staff to improve their knowledge and understanding of OCD, with the hopes that
this will improve their ability to identify and support children and young people with the condition.
What will participants be asked to do?
Please note, this form is in reference to phase 1 of the study.
Participants will be asked to take part in either an online video call interview (young people and their
parents/guardians together), or a focus group (school staff) via Google Meet. This will involve a
discussion about what is already known about OCD, what each participant group thinks is important
for school staff to know about OCD, and how school staff would like to receive this information.
Interviews and focus groups will take no longer than 60 minutes. Separate discussions with clinicians
will also take place throughout the project.
In-person interviews and focus groups are available if more convenient or preferred. This phase
(phase 1) will inform phase 2, which will involve creating the resource together with participants,
and exploring what this resource will look like. There will be an option in the consent form to agree
to be contacted for further phases of the research, but you do not have to agree to this!
How to take part:
For more information or to express your interest please complete this 2-minute online expression of
interest form. If you have any questions about the study after reading this information, please
contact lead researcher Elizabeth Colbert by emailing ejcolbert1@sheffield.ac.uk
Thank you!
Participant Information Sheet for parents and guardians
Participant Information Sheet for young people