Section 1: Study Information & Implied Consent
Study Background: Across sectors, innovation can drive adaptation to changing contextual demands. Innovation involves the implementation of new mechanical (e.g., physical devices), technological (e.g., software), or social-cultural systems (e.g., policies, program, organizational structures). Innovations are designed to improve the social status-quo or increase business advantage. Implementing innovations is challenging, and innovations can also pose risks of harm to individuals, groups, and communities. Unfortunately, the factors that influence variable innovation outcomes are under-examined. Addressing this knowledge gap is of ethical importance as it can: (i) inform implementation strategies, (ii) support efforts to mitigate harm and (iii) enhance credibility in knowledge production about innovations. Our research addresses fundamental problems with the evaluation of innovations. Ultimately, we will develop transdisciplinary tools to guide rich and transparent evaluation of innovation.
Study Purpose: The purpose of this project is to draw on experiences in evaluation to assess alignment and relevance of a novel interdisciplinary evaluation framework. Findings will be used for quality improvement purposes.
Study Procedures: Individuals who volunteer to participate in this study will be asked to complete a 20 minute survey about their use of the evaluation framework to further validate the content.
Benefits: There are no direct benefits from participating in this study.
Risk: There are no known risks associated with participating in this study. If risks are uncovered during the course of this project, we will notify participants immediately.
Voluntary Participation: There is no obligation to participate in this study. Participation is voluntary. You are able to withdraw from this study at any time by ending the survey; however, once the survey is submitted we are unable to trace anonymous responses to individuals for deletion. Included data will be encrypted and stored for a minimum of 5 years as per University of Alberta policy.
Confidentiality & Anonymity: All data collected will be kept confidential and anonymized results of the research will be used in presentations and manuscripts to disseminate findings. You should know that while we will keep the information you give us confidential - in the United States under US privacy laws, the government has the right to access all information held in electronic databases, such as SurveyMonkey.
Further Information: If you have any further questions regarding this study, please do not hesitate to contact the primary investigator. This study has been reviewed by a Research Ethics Board at the University of Alberta (Study ID: Pro00121193). If you have questions about your rights or research conduct, please email them at reoffice@ualberta.ca. This office is independent of the researchers.
Primary Investigator: Dr. Deena M. Hamza, Postgraduate Medical Education, University of Alberta dh9@ualberta.ca (780) 492-1779