Date Presented 04/03/2025
Conducting a novel community-based pilot study requires careful planning and problem solving. This poster will examine a case study of a research lab during its first two years. Discussion includes lab protocols, safety, and responsibilities.
Primary Author and Speaker: Heather A. De
Contributing Authors: Nicole Colvin, Tara C. Klinedinst
PURPOSE: This presentation will highlight the logistical pitfalls and pivots of conducting a pilot study over its first two years. The current study involves working with older adults with multiple chronic conditions in their homes, recruited using several strategies. Starting a pilot study requires establishing several logistical processes and refining them over time to ensure rigor. In addition to study protocols, the physical and psychological well-being of the researchers must be considered. The purpose of this poster is to investigate these challenges to improve quality of the research, and well-being of researchers.
DESIGN: We used an in-depth retrospective qualitative case-study design with thematic analysis.
METHOD: Data was collected from five members of the lab: principal investigator, occupational therapy interventionist, and three graduate research assistants (GRAs). IRB modifications reports, weekly meeting notes, informal interviews, and emails were collected to investigate instances where problem-solving occurred to increase the lab’s efficacy and safety.
RESULTS: Three themes were found: clerical logistics, safety considerations, and division of responsibilities. Interpretation through the Occupational Adaptation (OA) model reveals the process of refinement through role demand, consequential press of mastery, and occupational response, most significantly regarding protocols for safety concerns, and recruitment expansion.
CONCLUSION: The themes of this case-study reveal areas of focus for new research professionals, and reassurance to current researchers. The ongoing pilot trial has still shown positive preliminary outcomes and improvements in all growth areas within the lab.
IMPACT STATEMENT: Investigating the unexpected challenges faced in the iterative process of starting a research lab promotes research excellence and provides guidance for new researchers to start rigorous research needed to advance the profession.
References
Lancaster, G. A., Dodd, S., & Williamson, P. R. (2004). Design and analysis of pilot studies: Recommendations for good practice. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 10(2), 307–312. https://doi.org/10.1111/j..2002.384.doc.x
Wolf, L., Nash, V., Strout, T., Clark, P., & Moon, M. D. (2024). Protecting the physical and psychological safety of the research team. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 50(2), 204–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2023.10.004
Schkade, J. K., & McClung, M. (2001). Occupational Adaptation in Practice: Concepts and Cases. United States: Slack.
