Original work, no plagiarism, Cite, Reference 3-4 paragraphs.
Below is a list of research studies, including the targeted sample population to be included in the study. Select ONE of these studies/populations and discuss how you might apply tools of the principles of human subjects research (autonomy, justice, beneficence). Review the slides and/or these resources (University of VirginiaLinks to an external site. ; University of Northern IowaLinks to an external site.) to identify specific considerations for your population and study. Consider a specific focus on issues around 1) risk and protections from risk for the specific population, 2) informed consent and how this will be acquired, and 3) additional concerns and protections based on the population or study. I am not looking for expertise in the research topic but how well you address the human subjects principles for a specific population.
1) Efficacy study of an exercise enrichment program for nursing facilities in reducing fall-related injuries among elderly residents
2) Folic acid supplementation for pregnant women to improve neonatal health outcomes
3) Motivational interviewing and peer counseling to reduce recidivism after incarceration among inmates in federal prison
4) Mixed methods approach to nutritional characterization among parents of young children in low-income households
5) Behavioral interventions to improve asthma-related health outcomes among youth aged 5-12
Efficacy Study of an Exercise Enrichment Program for Nursing Facilities in Reducing Fall-Related Injuries among Elderly Residents
Protecting human subjects, especially vulnerable populations like elderly nursing home residents, requires careful consideration of principles like autonomy, justice and beneficence. For a study on reducing fall injuries through an exercise program in nursing facilities, risk and protections from risk would need close attention.
Falls are a serious health issue and leading cause of injury for the elderly (CDC, 2022). However, any intervention study poses risks, from physical over-exertion to psychological stress (Kelsey et al., 2010). Informed consent would require full disclosure of potential risks in plain language the residents can understand, given cognitive impairments are common (Dyer et al., 2018). Consent may need to be ongoing or withdrawn at any time with no penalty to their care.
Autonomy would mean respecting residents’ right to refuse participation without reprisal. Justice demands the benefits of the program be distributed fairly to all residents, not just those easily enrolled (Powers & Faden, 2006). Facilities may be reluctant to take on more liability for falls during the study. Researchers must implement protections, like thorough health screening and supervision during activities, to balance risks with the potential benefits of improved mobility and quality of life for residents (Gillespie et al., 2012).
Additional safeguards include oversight from an institutional review board knowledgeable on elder issues, and measures to prevent coercion of residents by facility staff. Overall, a study in this vulnerable population requires extra diligence applying principles of respect, non-maleficence and justice to fully protect participants while still pursuing valuable knowledge.
References:
CDC. (2022). Important facts about falls. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
Dyer, C. A., Xu, Y., Shapiro, A., Bergstralh, E., & McCann, J. J. (2018). A systematic review of randomized trials of multifaceted interventions to improve care for nursing home residents with advanced dementia. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 19(4), 370–378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2017.12.013
Gillespie, L. D., Robertson, M. C., Gillespie, W. J., Sherrington, C., Gates, S., Clemson, L. M., & Lamb, S. E. (2012). Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 9(9), CD007146. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007146.pub3
Kelsey, J. L., Procter-Gray, E., Hannan, M. T., & Li, W. (2010). Heterogeneity of falls among older adults: implications for public health prevention. American journal of public health, 100(11), 2149–2156. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2009.176547
Powers, M., & Faden, R. (2006). Social Justice: The Moral Foundations of Public Health and Health Policy. Oxford University Press.
