Training and Instructional Materials
Social & Scientific Systems provides internal training for our staff as well as external training to collaborating agency staff and subcontractors. For example, all personnel involved in studies must perform an annual training review of the rules for protection of human subjects. Laboratory personnel routinely receive training in laboratory safety and technical laboratory procedures. Study specific training is developed around each project protocol. We also design and provide explanatory materials and instructions to study participants.
Training
A typical study-specific training will include the following components:
- Overview and background of study
- Study procedures and a review of materials
- Interactive interviews and role plays
- Training and testing of procedures for the protection of human subjects
- Hands-on training for specialized equipment and measurements, such as blood pressure measurements, body measurements, or use of field sampling equipment
- Testing of study procedures, such as computer-assisted telephone interviews or field techniques for in-person measurements
- Monitoring of interviewers and field staff
Instructional Materials Development
Developed for laboratory staff
- Detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and routine review of procedures
- Laboratory safety training manuals
- Instructional materials on new assays and procedures
Developed for field studies or the Telephone Research Center
- Training manuals covering study background, step-by-step procedures, copies of study forms, and question-by-question specifications
- Visual aids and lists for reference during interviews
- Protocols for special topics, such as tracing and refusal conversion
- For computer-assisted telephone interviewers, computer help look-ups
Developed for study subjects
- General instructions on how to complete a questionnaire
- Instructions on how to collect specimens at home, such as dust or toenail clippings
- Visual aids and graphics, such as lists of medications or tables to calculate age at key events
- Scripted telephone calls to provide step-by-step instruction for participants to follow the procedures