The research team component of the STRIDE intervention hinges on an innovative application of medical simulation to improve the cultural sensitivity of those recruiting and enrolling diverse participants.
Through this process, trained community members served as “Acting Research Participants” similar to the well-established standardized patient methodology. Acting Research Participants engage with research assistants in mock recruitment scenarios for enrollment in a clinical trial in the setting of the simulation center, which is capable of replicating common recruitment venues and providing hands-on, experiential learning in a structured environment. Practice in this safe environment promotes learning critical communication skills to address emotionally sensitive, cross-cultural issues that arise in the process of informed consent. This process was developed through a bi-directional partnership with our community partners.
To learn more about research assistant simulation training, visit https://www.umassmed.edu/icels/courses/stride/
“Participants in all categories engaged in simulation training described a sense of purpose, community and increased understanding. The groups came to realize that no one role in the room was an overall expert and that everyone was actively learning from one another.”
“Excellent, supportive learning environment. Simulation was very helpful.”
“Look forward to using these tools throughout my career.”
“In our healthcare system, choices hold so much importance. ‘Culturally appropriate’ to me means that I am able to engage in a conversation with a person and give them the information they need to understand how participation will impact them, regardless of their cultural background…being aware of cultural differences and how my background is not the same as another’s better informs my approach and how I am able to present the information to the patient. Culturally appropriate informed consent is necessary in healthcare. If we are not intentional, then we are not doing our jobs.”
“I learned that I say I don’t assume anything, but I have to admit that often I do.”
“Listening to others sensitized me that other perspectives are relevant in forming my own understanding.”
“It’s always helpful to be more mindful of our own biases and this workshop helped remind us that when we feel a bias, when that signal fires in our brain, to stop and think about what/where that is coming from.”