Bronchoscopy is an established research tool in Malawi, enabling collection of pulmonary samples for immunological, pharmacological, and microbiological studies. It is, however, an invasive clinical procedure that offers no direct benefit to volunteering participants when used in a research capacity alone, and thus informed consent is essential. This study aimed to explore TB patients’ understanding of research bronchoscopy, what would motivate them to participate in research bronchoscopy, and their concerns, in order to inform consenting processes for future clinical studies. We used a qualitative research design. Two focus group discussions were conducted with community members and TB patients to understand their perceptions of bronchoscopy. Transcripts were coded by multiple co-authors and thematic content analysis was used to analyse main findings. We found that Malawian patients with pulmonary TB were willing to participate in a study using research bronchoscopy for health assessment and access to improved healthcare. We identified information of value to potential participants when consenting to help assuage some of the anxieties expressed by participants. Patient and public involvement is essential to improve informed consent and institutional trust.

Perceptions of research bronchoscopy - focus group discussion 1 transcriptThis is the transcript of the first focus group discussion with the relatives / carers of TB patients in urban Blantyre, Malawi. The transcript includes the Chichewa to English translation. Anonymised data presented.Andrew fgd1.DS2_CA_Eng.docxPerceptions of research bronchoscopy - focus group discussion 2 transcriptThis is the transcript of the second focus group discussion with the TB patients on treatment in urban Blantyre, Malawi. The transcript includes the Chichewa to English translation. Anonymised data presented.Andrew fgd2.DS2_DM_Eng.docx