International Mobility Technology Research: A Delphi Study to Identify Challenges and Compensatory Strategies

ABSTRACT

We sought to identify logistical and ethical challenges to performing wheelchair-related research in low- and middle-income countries and to generate a list of compensatory strategies to address these challenges. Thirteen individuals with experience in the field participated in an online Delphi study. The surveys asked participants to identify research challenges, suggest strategies to address the selected challenges, and critique each other's strategies. Participants identified challenges in the use of research techniques, compensation for participation that does not result coercion, oral and written translation materials, funding for research, collaboration with local professionals, and “respect for persons.” Effective international mobility research requires time, cultural sensitivity, collaboration, and careful planning. An understanding of these requirements can allow researchers to anticipate and compensate for common pitfalls of their work, thus making the research more productive and beneficial to subjects. Future research is required to verify the general effectiveness of compensatory strategies.

Keywords:

• cross-cultural
• Delphi technique
• evidence-based practice
• international
• translations
• wheelchairs

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation under a supplement to REU Grant EEC 0552351. This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Health Care System.