title: An exploration of the data collection methods utilised with children, teenagers and young people (CTYPs).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The impact of cancer upon children, teenagers and young people can be profound. Research has been undertaken to explore the impacts upon children, teenagers and young people with cancer, but little is known about how researchers can 'best' engage with this group to explore their experiences. This review paper provides an overview of the utility of data collection methods employed when undertaking research with children, teenagers and young people. A systematic review of relevant databases was undertaken utilising the search terms 'young people', 'young adult', 'adolescent' and 'data collection methods'. The full-text of the papers that were deemed eligible from the title and abstract were accessed and following discussion within the research team, thirty papers were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Due to the heterogeneity in terms of the scope of the papers identified the following data collections methods were included in the results section. Three of the papers identified provided an overview of data collection methods utilised with this population and the remaining twenty seven papers covered the following data collection methods: Digital technologies; art based research; comparing the use of 'paper and pencil' research with web-based technologies, the use of games; the use of a specific communication tool; questionnaires and interviews; focus groups and telephone interviews/questionnaires. The strengths and limitations of the range of data collection methods included are discussed drawing upon such issues as of the appropriateness of particular methods for particular age groups, or the most appropriate method to employ when exploring a particularly sensitive topic area.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are a number of data collection methods utilised to undertaken research with children, teenagers and young adults. This review provides a summary of the current available evidence and an overview of the strengths and limitations of data collection methods employed.
authors.affiliation: The Department of Primary Care Clinical Sciences, The University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. s.m.flanagan@bham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Sarah M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Flanagan
authors.affiliation: The Department of Primary Care Clinical Sciences, The University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. s.m.greenfield@bham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Greenfield
authors.affiliation: Centre for Children and Families Applied Research, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Priory Street, CV1 5FB, Coventry, UK. jane.coad@coventry.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Coad
authors.affiliation: The Department of Primary Care Clinical Sciences, The University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. s.j.neilson@bham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Neilson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019992:Databases as Topic; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult