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Article History

Received: 31 March 2017

Accepted: 4 May 2018

First Online: 30 May 2018

Ethics approval and consent to participate

: We completed the online HRA decision tool provided via the HRA website, which is based on guidance developed by the Central Office for Research Ethics Committees (COREC) and amended by the National Research Ethics Service (NRES) of the HRA (). The online tool indicated that we did not require approval from an NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC). Participants were identified through voluntary organisations and at organised events for the lay public, not identified from, or because of their past use of the NHS or UK health department services. Participants were volunteers identified and recruited because of their brain injury, or their involvement with someone who has a brain injury, and not in relation to any healthcare services they may, or may not have used. Informed verbal consent was sought prior to all engagement activities. Participants were made aware that any information provided would be anonymised and kept confidential. Participants were informed that completion of questionnaires was voluntary.

: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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