Methodological Think Tank: Sampling the Right People in the Right Places

During this presentation, the dilemmas and quandaries posed by a single-occurrence disaster or mass-trauma in the area of sampling. Disasters and mass-traumatic events often result in the objective disruption of local infrastructure, including homes, workplaces and communication systems. These kinds of events also frequently disrupt daily routines, so that persons usually readily found in a given location are no longer present. Those who are injured may be treated at a variety of locations, thus further complicating the task of identifying affected populations. These factors may then lead to problems in establishing where and how those persons most exposed to a given traumatic event may be reached, while avoiding over-sampling those less affected. As well, bias in sampling may be present due to the refusal to participate by those most severely affected by a given trauma, who may simply prefer to avoid research-related efforts.

The format for this presentation will take the form of a structured conversation between a researcher who has faced these dilemmas in designing and implementing a study, and a panel who will discuss the issues raised and make recommendations. Give-and-take between the researcher and the panelist will be moderated by Elisa Triffleman, MD, CITRM Program Co-Chair.