Kerper, Shaye
(2024)
Refining Research through Dialogue: Lessons from Older Adult Community Engagement Studio Feedback.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
Introduction: Medical and experimental research across various fields continues to underrepresent older adults (aged 60+), potentially limiting findings' generalizability and ethical implications. Recognizing this gap, this study introduces Older Adult Community Engagement Studios (OA-CES), a platform fostering culturally and linguistically competent research design by directly engaging key stakeholders – older adults. OA-CES empowers older adults to provide valuable feedback throughout research, ensuring their voices and perspectives shape studies impacting their communities.
Data and Methods: Following OA-CES events held between November 2022 and February 2024, all 13 participating researchers completed a 12-question digital survey via Qualtrics assessing their experiences and the impact of OA-CES. Quantitative analysis measured the extent of feedback received on research questions (n=13). The thematic analysis further identified recurring themes, notably if researchers' perceptions of their studies changed after engaging with older adult community experts.
Results: Quantitative analysis revealed significant feedback from older adults on research questions, confirming their active engagement. Qualitative analysis identified key themes, including enhanced understanding of target populations, refinement of research questions, and adjustments to recruitment strategies. Notably, four researchers reported a shift in their research perception, underscoring the value of older adult feedback and their intention to integrate it further throughout their projects. Overall, researchers acknowledged the role of input in enriching their studies and solidifying the importance of target population involvement in research design.
Conclusion: Despite the limitations of a small sample size, this study highlights the significant impact of direct older adult feedback on research validity and reliability. OA-CES emerges as a powerful tool with the potential to elevate the public health significance of research across diverse fields. This feedback technique promotes research inclusion, empowers communities to shape research processes actively, and aligns with core principles of ethical and responsible public health practice.
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| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Albert, Steve | smalbert@pitt.edu | smalbert | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Hernández, Wenndy | weh119@pitt.edu | weh119 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Christensen, Janelle | jjc157@pitt.edu | jjc157 | UNSPECIFIED |
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| Date: |
14 May 2024 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
52 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Human Genetics |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Community engagement, older adults |
| Date Deposited: |
14 May 2024 19:56 |
| Last Modified: |
14 May 2024 19:56 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/45824 |
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