Human Subject Barrier Scale: A Tool to Illuminate Potential Barriers in Aging Research

Workshop Presentation
Ellen Driber-Hassall,  John Bishop  

Participants in this interactive workshop will provide input regarding the relevance of the Engaged Aging Concept (EAC) in developing the prototype Human Subject Barrier Scale (HSBS). This proposed scale is intended to be a first-level screening device for older adult participation in biomedical research. Using quantitative and qualitative research techniques, presenters introduce this novel scale. A five-step peer review is used to: a) improve HSBS’s suitability for proactive aging research, while nurturing positive societal impact and b) allow participants to observe the value of utilizing mixed methods approaches to basic gerontological research. Such a reflexive process can kindle and fuel group collaboration with data enhancement and refinement in mind. Specifically, the peer review will consist of: 1) Anonymous, individual responses to an Instant Poll Statement. This technique may reveal additional barrier components. 2) Anonymous, individual responses to HSBS, a robust 21-statement scale based on EAC’s seven components. This technique may enhance the scale’s construction, clarity, and readability. NOTE: Presenters will score/offer Instant Poll and HSBS aggregate results to the group. 3) A whole group primer on EAC. This enables participants to grasp the importance of what exists at the heart of HSBS. 4) A critique of the scale in small groups. This may produce edits and modifications enhancing the scale’s reliability, which includes the potential to capture more efficacious and robust data for improved study results. 5) A Question and Answer opportunity.