Table 1.
Best practices and key strategies for dyad research
| Research issue | Best practices and key strategies |
|---|---|
| Recruitment and sampling issues | Estimate sample size based on potential refusals of either member of the dyad. Limit PT and FM participation (in exclusion criteria) if dementia, psychiatric illness, or chronic illness is present that would interfere with completion of protocol. Clearly define the members of the dyad. Describe clear inclusion and exclusion criteria for both members of the dyad. Ask clinic staff to help determine if the PT has an FM involved in his or her care when it is not clearly documented. Prepare a script for use with the PT or FM in case either answers recruitment call. Be highly flexible for scheduling dyad visits due to complications of scheduling two people. |
| Consent | Assess conflict in the dyad to determine their commitment to the study/intervention. Include language that allows the PT or FM to refuse without jeopardizing care. Explain the study to each member of the dyad. Contact local IRB regarding HIPAA guidelines for screening and recruiting patient and family participation. |
| Retention | Form a relationship and develop trust on the initial telephone call or first visit with both members of the dyad. Allow time for PT or FM to discuss health concerns (caregiver concerns). |
| Attrition | Plan protocol to address removal (or continuation) in the study if either the PT or FM decides to drop out. Examine length and number of instruments used to decrease participant burden. Provide incentives to both members of the dyad for their participation. |
| Data collection | Address if data will be collected separately or together in the protocol and plan accordingly. Assure each participant that the information is confidential and will not be shared with one another after completion. Allow extra time for data collection when there is one data collector or if interviewing each dyad member separately. Prepare guidelines for referral to counseling for both members of the dyad if study instruments measure a condition such as depression. Define data collection procedure including whether data will be collected separately or together. Address if data will be collected separately or together in the protocol and plan accordingly. Include measures to determine mood, burden, or distress to limit unintended negative effects on the PT or FM during an intervention or to determine if the study should be terminated. |
| Budgeting | Address and plan for travel expenses for both participants and research nurses. Assess traffic patterns which can affect dyadic participation and when an intervention session is offered. Budget incentives should be budgeted for both participants. Plan for increased costs due to using several personnel for data collection. Consider reimbursement for childcare for participants who may have young children. |
| Analysis | Assign each member of the dyad the same dyad number when setting up the database. Use tests of nonindependence when analyzing a concept that both individuals have in common. Determine the types of variables that will be used in the analysis: between dyad, within dyad, or mixed variable. |
Note. PT = patient; FM = family member.