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Shiells K, Di Cara N, Skatova A, Davis OS, Haworth CM, Skinner AL, Thomas R, Tanner AR, Macleod J, Timpson NJ, Boyd A. Participant acceptability of digital footprint data collection strategies: an exemplar approach to participant engagement and involvement in the ALSPAC birth cohort study. Int J Popul Data Sci 2022; 5:1728. [PMID: 35519823 PMCID: PMC9053133 DOI: 10.23889/ijpds.v7i1.1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Digital footprint records - the tracks and traces amassed by individuals as a result of their interactions with the internet, digital devices and services - can provide ecologically valid data on individual behaviours. These could enhance longitudinal population study databanks; but few UK longitudinal studies are attempting this. When using novel sources of data, study managers must engage with participants in order to develop ethical data processing frameworks that facilitate data sharing whilst safeguarding participant interests. Objectives This paper aims to summarise the participant involvement approach used by the ALSPAC birth cohort study to inform the development of a framework for using linked participant digital footprint data, and provide an exemplar for other data linkage infrastructures. Methods The paper synthesises five qualitative forms of inquiry. Thematic analysis was used to code transcripts for common themes in relation to conditions associated with the acceptability of sharing digital footprint data for longitudinal research. Results We identified six themes: participant understanding; sensitivity of location data; concerns for third parties; clarity on data granularity; mechanisms of data sharing and consent; and trustworthiness of the organisation. For cohort members to consider the sharing of digital footprint data acceptable, they require information about the value, validity and risks; control over sharing elements of the data they consider sensitive; appropriate mechanisms to authorise or object to their records being used; and trust in the organisation. Conclusion Realising the potential for using digital footprint records within longitudinal research will be subject to ensuring that this use of personal data is acceptable; and that rigorously controlled population data science benefiting the public good is distinguishable from the misuse and lack of personal control of similar data within other settings. Participant co-development informs the ethical-governance framework for these novel linkages in a manner which is acceptable and does not undermine the role of the trusted data custodian.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Shiells
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nina Di Cara
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anya Skatova
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Oliver S.P. Davis
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Claire M.A. Haworth
- Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andy L. Skinner
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Integrative Cancer Epidemiology Programme, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Thomas
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alastair R. Tanner
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John Macleod
- Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicholas J. Timpson
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andy Boyd
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- CLOSER longitudinal study consortium, University College London, London, UK
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