Maria A Hondras | PubMed Health

PubMed2006

Do chiropractic college faculty understand informed consent: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to survey full-time faculty at a single chiropractic college concerning their knowledge of Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies in their institution as they pertain to educational research. METHODS: All full-time faculty were invited to participate in an anonymous survey. Four scenarios involving educational research were described and respondents were asked to select from three possible courses of action for each. In addition, respondents were queried about their knowledge of IRB policies, how they learned of these policies and about their years of service and departmental assignments. RESULTS: The response rate was 55%. In no scenario did the level of correct answers by all respondents score higher than 41% and in most, the scores were closer to just under 1 in 3. Sixty-five percent of respondents indicated they were unsure whether Palmer had any policies in place at all, while 4% felt that no such policies were in place. Just over one-quarter (27%) were correct in noting that students can decline consent, while more than half (54%) did not know whether there were any procedures governing student consent. CONCLUSION: Palmer faculty have only modest understanding about institutional policies regarding the IRB and human subject research, especially pertaining to educational research. The institution needs to develop methods to provide knowledge and training to faculty. The results from this pilot study will be instrumental in developing better protocols for a study designed to survey the entire chiropractic academic community.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

An exploration of community leader perspectives about minority involvement in chiropractic clinical research.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the perspectives of individuals in leadership or advocacy positions from two different minority groups about involvement with chiropractic clinical research. DESIGN: The narratives from two focus groups provided the primary source data. Purposive sampling was used for participant selection. Within- and across-group analyses of focus group data were conducted using a matrix consisting of the core constructs awareness, acceptance, and access. SETTING: The Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research in Davenport, Iowa, was the setting. SUBJECTS: Participants were in leadership or advocacy positions from two minority communities in the greater Quad Cities area of Iowa. Eight (8) participants were in the Hispanic/Latino focus group, and 6 were in the Black/African-American focus group. RESULTS: The findings suggest that there is limited awareness about chiropractic and chiropractic research in the Hispanic/Latino and Black/African-American communities. Cultural and ethnic representation will facilitate efforts toward increasing awareness, acceptance, and access to the community. Generational differences exist in acceptance of chiropractic and chiropractic research by both communities. Gaining the trust of the Black/African-American community is essential before they will become involved in research. Participants from both groups reported that negative beliefs by health professionals impede access to chiropractic services. The participants identified a myriad of venues and methods for collaborating with their constituents. CONCLUSIONS: Honoring the perspectives and needs of the Hispanic/Latino and the Black/African-American community is essential to facilitate participation in chiropractic clinical research. The study calls on research institutions to reconceptualize how they interact with the community to foster a more relational approach.

Adult↗