Recommendations

The 5Ts Framework serves as a valuable organizing model for the best practice recommendations we have gathered for improving inclusion across the lifespan. To see recommendations for each “T” select Target population, Team, Time, Tips to Accommodate, or Tools. Or to narrow the list of recommendations to those most relevant to your study, use the filters to select your “Data collection method,” “Study design,” “Study setting”, current study “Activity,” or “Person.”

Displaying 11 Recommendations

5Ts

Data Collection Method

Study Design

Study Setting

Activity

Person

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Consider strategies to simplify the consent process (pictures of study tasks, bulleted summary, econsent, postage-paid envelope to return consent). (Tools for recruitment and enrollment) Example: The Strategies to REduce Injuries and Develop Confidence in Elders (STRIDE) study reduced redundancy in recruitment letters and informed consent documents. Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30020415/	Tools
Create personalized recruitment materials when possible. (Tools for recruitment and enrollment) Example: The National Institute of Aging (NIA) provides information for older adults on participating in research (linked below). OutreachPro is an NIA-developed resource that helps research teams create customized outreach materials for clinical trials on Alzheimer's and related dementias (linked below). Useful Links: https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/clinical-research-infographic-508.pdf https://outreachpro.nia.nih.gov/	Tools
Data collection tools that allow multiple ways to enter data - online, tablet, paper, interviewer entered. (Tools for data collection and follow-up) Example: Due to the pandemic, the CARDIA study had to transition from all in-person data collection to multiple strategies including in-person, phone, online, and paper data collection instruments. The CARDIA Manual of Operations provides detailed descriptions of best practices for different data collection methods. Useful Link: https://www.cardia.dopm.uab.edu/exam-materials2/manual-of-operations/year-35 "Allow an older research participant [to] go at their pace and set the tone for the process. If they would prefer paper copies of a consent, questionnaire, etc, it would be best to try and accommodate the request and make the participant feel comfortable. -Research Coordinator "For consents, if an eConsent is used, it would help if a hard copy was available as well. Same for any questionnaires that may need to be answered." -Research Coordinator	Tools
Electronic enrollment tracking system with capability to provide periodic enrollment reports by age. (Tools for recruitment and enrollment) Table 1 from Mody et al Recruitment and Retention of Older Adults in Aging Research (linked below) provides strategies for tracking accrual and loss to follow-up. Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19093934/	Tools
FAQs sheet or "cheat sheet" with important study information for participants and their caregivers. (Tools for recruitment and enrollment) Useful Link: https://heroesresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/HERO-Research-Program-FAQ-10APR2020-v-1.pdf	Tools
Include appropriate referral protocols as needed (e.g., falls, depression, cognitive impairment). (Tools for data collection and follow-up) The Health in Aging Foundation has a registry of geriatrics care providers by state (linked below). Useful Link: https://account.americangeriatrics.org/findageriatricshealthcareprofessional	Tools
Referral protocol for potential abuse or neglect. (Tools for data collection and follow-up) Example: The National Center on Elder Abuse has important information including state resources. Useful Link: National Center on Elder Abuse (acl.gov)	Tools
Select appropriate tools that measure outcomes important to older adults (Measurement tools specific to older adults, Choose tools that measure function, physical performance, and patient-reported outcomes as appropriate). (Cognitive limitations) Examples: Great examples of measures can be found from the Duke Pepper Center, the Geriatric Research Instrument Library (GRIL), and from the CTSA Inclusion of older adults in research workgroup. Useful Links: https://agingcenter.duke.edu/functional-assessment https://www.peppercenter.org/public/gril.cfm https://clic-ctsa.org/education/gerontologized-measures "The study team will need to consider which tools should be utilized to assist our older adults on an individual basis." -Research Coordinator	Tools
Visible name tags for study staff with large print. (Tools for recruitment and enrollment) "I help to accommodate the needs of older adults by providing larger print when needed, comfortable sitting area with good lighting for discussion, and being mindful of their time. Should they need a break or would like to reconvene at a later time, I will do all that I can to make sure that happens." -Research Coordinator	Tools
Visual aids for demonstrating study tasks or measures. (Tools for data collection and follow-up) Example: The CARDIA study manual of operations for conducting physical performance measures is a good example (linked below). Useful Link: https://www.cardia.dopm.uab.edu/images/more/pdf/MooY35/Phase2/chapter13.pdf	Tools
Written study timeline for participants and their caregivers. (Tools for recruitment and enrollment) Resource: Example Calendar of Activities.pdf Created by the Duke Recruitment Innovation Center	Tools