Community-Engaged Experimental Research: Leveraging Advisory Boards and Qualitative Interviews with Participants

• In Event: A New Model of Intentional Pretrial Supervision: Development, Implementation, and Multi-Site Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Randomized controlled trials are useful research designs given their ability to isolate treatment effects. However, these designs often exclusively focus on quantitative outcomes, neglecting the value of participant perspectives in intervention development and evaluation. We conducted a multi-site randomized controlled trial of Intentional Pretrial Supervision in Indiana to examine its effects on pretrial outcomes (i.e., reduced failure to appear and new offenses). During the development and refinement of intervention materials, we consulted with an advisory board of persons with lived experience on pretrial supervision. These individuals reviewed and provided feedback on intervention materials to improve their reception among study participants. Following randomization, we conducted qualitative interviews with randomized participants in both conditions to understand how participants experienced Intentional Pretrial Supervision relative to practice as usual. Although primary and secondary outcomes focus on whether the intervention is effective, use of qualitative methodologies can help us better understand why it may be effective. We describe our process of conducting community-engaged research with pretrial supervision participants. Our approach provides guidance for researchers looking to include perspectives of those with lived experience into intervention planning and evaluation to provide a more holistic understanding of the intervention.

Authors

• Tri Keah Henry, Indiana University Bloomington

• Peyton Frye, George Mason University

• Eric Grommon, Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

• Evan Marie Lowder, George Mason University