Enhancing public engagement and understanding of randomised trials through a MOOC platform

Our project aims to enhance public understanding and engagement in randomised trials through an improved Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Randomised trials are crucial for advancing health research, but many people do not fully understand their importance or how they work. Research identifies the lack of knowledge and understanding of randomised trials as a primary barrier to participation. By providing accessible education on this topic, we can increase public knowledge and support for these trials, ultimately improving health outcomes.

We will migrate our existing MOOC to a new, advanced learning platform with interactive features, based on participant feedback for a more user-friendly learning experience. Updated course materials will include quizzes, forums, and multimedia content to enhance engagement and understanding.

To ensure the course reaches a wide audience, we will implement a strategic outreach plan, including partnerships with health networks and promotional activities to raise awareness nationally and internationally. We aim to attract a diverse group of participants, including underrepresented communities.

Our collaborators and PPI (patient and public involvement) contributors will review and enhance course content, ensuring it meets target audience needs. They will also assist in developing and implementing the outreach plan, leveraging their networks to maximise reach and impact.

Success indicators include the number of participants enrolled, geographic diversity, course completion rates, and engagement metrics. We will also track new partnerships and social media growth.

Enhancing the platform and promoting the course will significantly increase the reach and impact of this educational resource, resulting in higher participation and engagement, ultimately advancing our goal of increasing public understanding and participation in randomised trials.

In summary, this project aims to enhance public understanding of randomised trials by providing a more engaging and accessible online course and reaching a broader audience.