Study Participant Recruitment Process
In keeping with the pursuit of high-quality evidence, ASHT members are invited to make a request for recruitment of study participants. All ASHT members are able to submit a proposal to use ASHT members as participants in an IRB approved research study. Once a request for study participants is approved by the research division it will be posted to the ASHT website.
As part of the application process the researcher should email the following documents to research@asht.org for review by members of the ASHT research division:
- A study description that includes the researcher(s) names, title of the study, and a brief purpose/summary (sent in Word format). The review will be blinded, therefore researcher names will be omitted prior to sending for review.
- The IRB approval letter
- A completed Study Participant Request Form. To access the request form, click here.
- A summary of the study that will be posted on the ASHT website which includes at minimum, a statement of the research purpose, participant inclusion and exclusion criteria, specific requirements of the participants, and how members can opt to participate.
Seeking Research Study Participants
Below are research studies that are seeking study participants. To refer a participant, please contact the researcher specified in the description.
Study title: Feasibility and Acceptability of Implementing Clinical Practice Guidelines using a Smartphone App: A Pilot Randomized Trial
Dear therapist,
We are excited to invite you to participate in this study examining the feasibility and acceptability of implementing Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for treating Distal Radius
Fractures (DRF), Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy (LET), and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). This study explores how integrating evidence-based guidelines via technology can support best practices in upper-extremity musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
Study Overview and Purpose: This pilot randomized trial will evaluate the implementation of CPG recommendations with or without a smartphone application after webinar-style education to teach the use of these CPG recommendations. Approximately 80 participants will be randomly assigned to an App + Webinar group (intervention) or a Webinar-only group (control). Additionally, a qualitative protocol will gather therapists' perceptions regarding evidence-based practices and the adoption of best practices.
Eligibility Criteria: We are seeking participants who meet all of the following criteria:
- Licensed Physical Therapists (PT) or Occupational Therapists (OT) with at least 5 years of experience in upper extremity musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
- Currently managing patients with CTS, DRF, or LET.
- Holding one of the following specialty credentials: Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) or Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS).
- Ability to commit to participating in the study for 6-8 months.
- English speakers who have not implemented the target CPGs in their practice.
As part of the study, participants will be asked to complete a series of baseline assessments, engage in webinars on relevant CPGs, and be involved in follow-up measures. A subset of participants will also be selected for qualitative interviews to provide insight into current practice patterns and the adoption of best practices.
How to Participate: If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in participating, please contact Saurabh Mehta, PT, PhD, GCS at mehtas1@etsu.edu or +1-423-439-8784 or Kim Masker, OTD, OTR/L, CHT at masker@etsu.edu or +1-423-439-7508 to express your interest and receive the full Informed Consent Document with additional details.
We believe your involvement would be invaluable to this important research and look forward to your potential participation. If you have any questions or want further details, please reach out.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to the advancement of evidence-based practices in hand therapy.
Best regards,
Saurabh Mehta
Board Certified Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
Associate Professor, Physical Therapy Program
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN
Office Ph: +1-423-439-8784