Citation

Pyatak EA, Blanche EI, Garber SL, Diaz J, Blanchard J, Florindez L, Clark FA. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2013; 94(6): 1190-1198.

Affiliation

Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. Electronic address: Beth.pyatak@usc.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2012.12.009

PMID

23262157

Abstract

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard in research design for establishing treatment efficacy. However, the rigorous and highly controlled conditions of RCTs can be difficult to attain when conducting research among individuals living with a confluence of disability, low socioeconomic status, and being a member of a racial/ethnic minority group, who may be more likely to have unstable life circumstances. Research on effective interventions for these groups is urgently needed, as evidence regarding approaches to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes is lacking. In this methodological paper we discuss the challenges and lessons learned in implementing the Lifestyle Redesign(®)for Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Spinal Cord Injury (LR-PUPS) study among a highly disadvantaged population. These issues are discussed in terms of strategies to enhance recruitment, retention, and intervention relevance to the target population. Recommendations for researchers seeking to conduct RCTs among socioeconomically disadvantaged, ethnically diverse populations are provided.

Language: en