Working with underrepresented groups: lessons from the SCHEMA trial

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Healthcare Research Methodology

Background:

• Growing emphasis on inclusive research for underrepresented populations.
• Barriers to research participation extend beyond individual characteristics to environmental complexity and limited research opportunities in specific healthcare professions.
• Secure care settings present unique challenges for conducting research due to the environment and patient population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of interpersonal art psychotherapy in reducing aggressive behavior in individuals with learning disabilities or borderline intellectual function in secure care settings.
• To identify and understand the challenges and facilitators of conducting research within secure care environments.
• To explore the experiences of site staff involved in the SCHEMA trial.

Main Methods:

• The SCHEMA trial is a randomized controlled trial.
• A survey was administered to site staff to assess their research experiences and perceptions of the SCHEMA trial.
• Data analysis focused on identifying common barriers and facilitators to research conduct.

Main Results:

• Difficulty balancing research responsibilities and fear of errors were identified as primary barriers for site staff.
• Collaboration with other professionals and the availability of clear guidelines and protocols were key facilitators.
• Site setup was the most challenging phase, while follow-up data collection was the least challenging.

Conclusions:

• Conducting research in secure care settings with underrepresented populations requires tailored support and strategies.
• Addressing staff concerns and providing clear protocols are crucial for successful research implementation.
• Interpersonal art psychotherapy shows potential for reducing aggression in this population, warranting further investigation.