Study Within a Trial (SWAT):

The SWAT aims to test whether adding an animated video, translated into four commonly spoken languages and provided alongside the written participant information sheet, improves recruitment and retention in the FISS study, particularly among ethnic minority participants, compared with written information alone. Stroke services will be cluster-randomised (1:1) to either offer the translated animation or not, with randomisation conducted by an independent statistician. The primary outcome is the proportion of eligible patients who consent to participate, while secondary outcomes include follow-up completion and representation of ethnic minority participants. Approximately ten stroke services will be included, and findings will be made publicly available as soon as possible after the end of the SWAT and will be made available to researchers conducting meta-analysis in this field.

FISS is a registered study of NIHR Associate Principal Investigator Scheme

Please identify trainees who would be interested in enrolling. Applicants are now able to register to be an Associate PI for FISS, having obtained approval from their local PI.

To register, visit Apply to be Associate Principal Investigator and please inform the FISS team before submitting a registration form. 

For FISS PIs this could have the benefit of providing additional support in delivering the study, whilst allowing trainees to incorporate research into their training. The scheme is open to doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals who don't primarily work in research but want to gain research experience on a NIHR Portfolio research study allowing them to gain official recognition for research activity (not eligible to apply if you are a student, research nurse, or work in a fully-funded research role). The scheme allows others to work alongside the PI, however the PI always retains oversight of the trial.