Assessment of key interviewing factors for research assistants (AKIRA): development of a novel training and evaluation competency-based tool for mental health data collection in community settings.

IF 1.9 Q2 EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
Frontiers in Education Pub Date : 2025-01-01 Epub Date: 2025-03-12 DOI:10.3389/feduc.2025.1539124
Alejandra Cid-Vega, Chynere Best, Kendall Pfeffer, Manaswi Sangraula, Janus Wong, Wilfred Gwaikolo, James Caracoglia, Sauharda Rai, Adam D Brown, Brandon Kohrt
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Abstract

Data quality is critical in mental health research, but variability in training among those collecting data can undermine research outcomes. In this context, the Assessment of Key Interviewing Factors for Research Assistants (AKIRA) emerges as a novel, competency-based framework specifically designed for interview-based mental health data collection. AKIRA systematically identifies and evaluates key interviewing behaviors across ten domains, highlighting areas of mastery, improvement, and potentially harmful practices. Emphasizing cross-cultural applicability, the tool adapts to diverse research settings, particularly where non-specialist data collectors play central roles. Global mental health services face significant challenges, with treatment rates for conditions such as depression alarmingly low, especially in lower-to-middle income countries. Such disparities underscore the urgent need for evidence-based, culturally sensitive interventions and robust monitoring systems to bridge gaps in mental health care. Despite the growing demand for high-quality data, there is a marked absence of systematic competency assessments for research assistants, contributing to variability and potential bias in data collection processes. AKIRA was developed through an iterative process involving literature reviews, adaptation of existing frameworks for competency assessment, and feedback from key informants. Its pilot testing and ongoing evaluation aim to refine its utility, ensuring that non-specialist data collectors are better prepared to engage with communities and conduct reliable, replicable research. By standardizing interview techniques and addressing the "interviewer effect," AKIRA not only enhances data quality but also facilitates ethical, culturally informed research practices. Future psychometric evaluations and cross-context adaptations, including implementations in the United States, Uganda, and Nepal, promise to further integrate this tool into mental health research infrastructures, ultimately supporting more effective program monitoring and improved mental health outcomes globally. Overall, AKIRA represents a transformative step in standardizing data collection competencies. Its broad adoption could enhance research quality, inform policy decisions, and ultimately contribute to reducing global mental health disparities at scale.

评估关键访谈因素的研究助理(AKIRA):开发一种新的培训和评估能力为基础的工具,在社区设置的心理健康数据收集。
数据质量在心理健康研究中至关重要,但数据收集人员培训的差异可能会破坏研究成果。在这种背景下,研究助理关键访谈因素评估(AKIRA)作为一种新颖的、基于能力的框架出现,专门用于基于访谈的心理健康数据收集。AKIRA系统地识别和评估十个领域的关键面试行为,突出显示掌握、改进和潜在有害实践的领域。该工具强调跨文化适用性,适用于不同的研究环境,特别是在非专业数据收集者发挥核心作用的情况下。全球精神卫生服务面临重大挑战,抑郁症等疾病的治疗率低得惊人,特别是在中低收入国家。这种差异突出表明,迫切需要以证据为基础、对文化敏感的干预措施和强有力的监测系统,以弥合精神卫生保健方面的差距。尽管对高质量数据的需求不断增长,但对研究助理的系统能力评估明显缺乏,这导致了数据收集过程中的可变性和潜在偏差。AKIRA是通过一个迭代的过程开发的,包括文献回顾、对现有能力评估框架的调整以及关键线人的反馈。其试点测试和正在进行的评估旨在完善其效用,确保非专业数据收集者更好地准备与社区接触并进行可靠、可复制的研究。通过标准化访谈技巧和解决“访谈者效应”,AKIRA不仅提高了数据质量,而且促进了道德,文化知情的研究实践。未来的心理测量评估和跨情境适应,包括在美国、乌干达和尼泊尔的实施,有望进一步将这一工具整合到心理健康研究基础设施中,最终支持更有效的项目监测和改善全球心理健康结果。总的来说,AKIRA代表了标准化数据收集能力的变革步骤。它的广泛采用可以提高研究质量,为决策提供信息,并最终有助于大规模减少全球精神卫生差距。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Frontiers in Education
Frontiers in Education Social Sciences-Education
CiteScore
2.90
自引率
8.70%
发文量
887
审稿时长
14 weeks
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