This mixed-methods parallel two-arm trial assessed the feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of a theoretically-informed intervention designed to improve perspective-taking skills in preparation for a future definitive randomized control trial. Using a 1:1 allocation ratio, student participants (N = 163) in Respiratory, Physical, and Occupational Therapy; Nurse Practitioner; and Kinesiology programs at a Canadian university were randomly assigned to full or partial intervention conditions. Full intervention participants completed an online workshop on perspective-taking and practiced perspective-taking prior to an in-lab 10-minute dialogue with a trained client-actor (masked to condition) about the actor's physical inactivity. Partial intervention participants received the workshop after the dialogue, and were instructed to be aware and mindful of the approach that they took to seek understanding. To be considered feasible, outcomes needed to meet or surpass our criteria (e.g., within-course recruitment: 85-95% of a course when embedded within a course, 5-10% when not embedded). Feasibility and appropriateness were assessed by comparing recruitment rates, protocol, and psychometric outcomes to criteria. Acceptability was assessed by analyzing exit interviews. Recruitment rates, protocol, and psychometric outcomes largely met criteria, and the study was acceptable.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
163
This intervention compares the outcomes where some learn about and practice perspective-taking and others do not. All participants received at least a partial intervention through getting video-feedback on their dialogue with a client actor.
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Recruitment rate when embedded within a course
85-95% recruitment rate
Time frame: Within 2 years of study commencement (February 2018 - December 2019)
Recruitment rate when not embedded within a course
5-10% recruitment rate
Time frame: Within 2 years of study commencement (February 2018 - December 2019)
Recruitment time
Time to finish recruiting in years
Time frame: Within 2 years of study commencement (February 2018 - December 2019)
Program recruitment
Count of number of participants per program
Time frame: Within 2 years of study commencement (February 2018 - December 2019)
Workshop completion
Percent that completed all pages of the workshop
Time frame: Prior to in-lab participation
Practice time length
Time in weeks
Time frame: Prior to in-lab participation
Adherence for not making a plan of action with the client-actor
Percent that adhered to instructions
Time frame: Through in-lab completion, an expected average of 2 hours
Lab session length
Average lab session length, and time participants spent in the lab in hours and minutes
Time frame: Through in-lab completion, an expected average of 2 hours
Employee training
Time in hours
Time frame: Through study completion, up to 2 years
Appropriateness of measure means as assessed by examining data for floor and ceiling effects
A scale mean will be created for all measures. To assess appropriateness for inclusion in the definitive trial, we will examine the means for floor and ceiling effects. There should be no evidence of floor or ceiling effects in study measures. If there is evidence of extreme means, then we will consider a different measure for the definitive trial.
Time frame: Post study completion, after 2 years
Amount of missing data
To assess appropriateness for inclusion in the definitive trial, the amount of missing data will be examined for each measure. There should be no more than 5% for each study measure. If there is evidence of excessive missing data for a measure, then we will consider a different measure for the definitive trial.
Time frame: Post study completion, after 2 years
Appropriateness of Cronbach's alpha as assessed by an alpha above .70 for each measure
To assess appropriateness for inclusion in the definitive trial, we will calculate Cronbach's alpha for each measure. Cronbach's alpha should be at least .70 for each study measure. If there is evidence of low Cronbach's alpha for a measure, then we will consider a different measure for the definitive trial.
Time frame: Post study completion, after 2 years
Instructor interest
Count of instructors who express interest in the study
Time frame: At time of contact through study completion, up to 2 years
Integration rate
Count of how many instructors embedded the course into their study
Time frame: Prior to the study period
Participant demographics
Counts and percentages
Time frame: At baseline
Prior communication training
Counts and percentages for self-reported training
Time frame: At baseline
Acceptability
Examining exit interviews and field notes using manifest content analysis and constant comparison techniques
Time frame: Post study completion, after 2 years
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