Background Patient and public involvement is an emerging element of contemporary research and reflects an acknowledgement of the expertise of people who have personal knowledge or experience of a research topic.

Aim To discuss the value of consultation in contributing to the ethical and methodological choices underpinning a qualitative study.

Discussion The study discussed explored the perceptions and experiences of children aged four to 12 with long-term conditions of being held still by adults during clinical procedures in acute care. Consultation took place in three stages and involved engagement with a children’s advisory group and members of the public, including parents and a teacher.

Conclusion Engagement shaped the focus, influenced the design and underpinned the ethical basis of the study. In addition, consultation identified that the focus of the research was misunderstood by potential participants and their parents.

Implications for practice Engaging in robust consultation is a valuable process which can inform research design in unexpected ways. Engagement with children ensures that their perspectives are identified and included and shape the study.