PPI in LifeMap-QUEST: an example of co-producing videos in different languages to support inclusion in a clinical study

Recruiting participants into clinical trials is often challenging, particularly when trying to involve people from diverse or disadvantaged communities. This article describes how we co‑produced video resources to support inclusion in the LifeMap‑QUEST clinical study. LifeMap is a new approach to diagnosing people who may be at risk of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). Recognising the longstanding under‑representation of ethnic minority groups in research, and the barriers posed by language, literacy, and trust, the LifeMap‑QUEST Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Advisory Group worked with community partners and clinicians to develop participant information videos in English, Gujarati, and Hindi. This article explains how this collaborative process unfolded. As part of our co‑production approach, we tested AI translation tools such as ChatGPT. However, the translations produced were too formal, used complex terminology, and did not capture the tone or cultural context needed. We therefore adopted a collaborative method with a local charity, South Asian Health Action (SAHA), using forward–back translation, validation by native speakers within the PPI Advisory Group, and review by cardiac consultants who spoke Gujarati and Hindi. This ensured both accuracy and cultural appropriateness. Filming used a simple “talking‑head” style to create a friendly, approachable tone. Members of the PPI Advisory Group reviewed the videos and offered constructive feedback. The article highlights the challenges of developing participant information in multiple languages, emphasising the need for PPI, community partners, and expert clinical oversight. We hope that by describing what we did and the lessons we learnt, it will support others to make participant information videos in different languages. This article explains how our Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Advisory Group worked with researchers to create study information videos in English, Gujarati, and Hindi for a project called LifeMap‑QUEST. Written leaflets inviting people to take part in research can be long, confusing, and difficult to understand. This can be especially difficult for people who do not speak or read English well. In Leicester, where we are carrying out the study, many people speak a South Asian language better than English. To encourage South Asian people to take part in our study, our PPI Advisory Group suggested creating short videos in different languages. This article describes the journey of how we worked together, what we did, and why it matters. As a first step, we used modern technology called ChatGPT to turn our information into other languages but the language it produced was too technical and not easy for people to follow. Instead, we worked closely with our PPI Advisory Group, a community charity called South Asian Health Action (SAHA), and cardiologists who speak Gujarati and Hindi. Together, we checked the translations carefully to make sure the words were accurate, clear, and friendly. The videos were filmed in a warm and approachable style, with people speaking directly to the camera. We asked our PPI Advisory Group to review the videos, and they told us we needed clearer sound and better images to help viewers follow what was being explained. Their feedback helped us improve the final versions. We hope that by describing what we did and the lessons we learnt, it will support others to make videos in different languages.