Table 2.

Implementing digital health equity framework in sleep research and medicine

Training	Training staff on processes and procedures for safely engaging, recruiting, and screening participants during the COVID-19 pandemic via various digital media such as video conference, phone, introductory e-mails, pamphlets, and word of mouth
Adaptation of study materials	Updated study manual, materials, and procedures manual (eg, data acquisition, processing, and storage using customized REDCap modules) to include staff and participant safety and preventive measures
Modification of study protocols	Profiles, PREDICT, ESSENTIAL, MOSAIC, and DORMIR performed entirely remotely, allowing the team to complete recruitment of participants even during the lockdown and work-from-home periods Profiles and PREDICT studies were conducted with participant sample sizes of 100 and 30, respectively, and recruitment targets were accomplished, even while enforcing social distancing and work-from-home periods in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 response This remote methodology may be instrumental in reaching disadvantaged communities that would be otherwise unable or unwilling to participate in research in a clinical setting WIFI-enabled iPhones or iPads are provided to participants who do not have access to such devices or the Internet
Utilization of CSC	A CSC of health champions and/or community organizers from diverse backgrounds was created to act as an independent advisory group to the investigatory team The CSC provides guidance on community engagement, the use of technology, data sharing, and dissemination plans CSC key responsibilities are: 1. Provide feedback on modifying protocol procedures and feasibility and uptake of study procedures 2. Provide feedback on recruitment and retention procedures 3. Act as conduits and facilitators in onboarding and maintaining recruitment sites in the community 4. Assist with advertising and some public relations of the project 5. Provide concrete dissemination and implementation strategies to increase widespread community empowerment. The Community Steering Committee meets quarterly to discuss and provide guidance on all study related processes that impact participants and the community. The governance structure of the CSC consists of a chair, an Executive Secretary, and at least two other members. Eligibility and selection of CSC. To serve on the CSC, the member cannot have any conflict of interest with any of the collaborating or competing products or entities (devices, labs, firms, or other organizations) involved in the studies that constitute a potential conflict of interest. All CSC members are provided a nominal stipend for their efforts.