A qualitative study exploring the barriers and facilitators of conducting the SARS-CoV2 Immunity & Reinfection Evaluation (SIREN) study during the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for developing resilient NHS research structures

Objectives: The SARS-CoV-2 Immunity and Reinfection Evaluation (SIREN) study is a prospective multicentre cohort study established to evaluate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 following infection and vaccination in UK healthcare workers. The aim of this study is to explore barriers and facilitators experienced by SIREN sites to set-up and run the study, and implications for future research within NHS systems. Study design: Qualitative study. Methods: Seven focus groups (n = 33) and three one-to-one semi-structured interviews (n = 3) were conducted via MS Teams with SIREN site teams and SIREN participants. Results: A thematic analysis indicates a decentralised model, multidisciplinary team working, pre-existing networks, visible senior support, diverse recruitment methods, and co-design methods contributed to the success of SIREN. Barriers to setting up SIREN sites included limited experience of running a large-scale study, lack of processes and resources, and limited organisational support. Providing SIREN sites with the flexibility to develop models of practice that consider the local context worked well. More centralised support including documents, templates and provision for peer support and shared learning can lower the administrative burden of local site teams. Conclusions: Participation in the SIREN study has strengthened the research infrastructure of local sites and promoted more collaborative research processes which should be maintained to address future challenges at pace within NHS systems.