This document discusses using technology for research functions like recruitment, consent, interventions, and follow-up in emergency medicine studies targeting Generation X to Z populations. It outlines goals of discussing how to use technology for core research functions, technical expertise and infrastructure required, and addressing privacy issues. The document notes both benefits of technology like widespread access and challenges like feasibility, acceptability, costs, and cognitive dissonance for researchers adjusting to technological methods. It provides example references on technology-based studies related to substance abuse, medication adherence, social media and emergency preparedness, bystander CPR instructions, and behavioral health interventions.

1. ‘Generation X to Z’ and Emergency Medicine
Research:
Using Technology for Recruitment, Consent,
Intervention and Follow-Up

2. Disclosures
• Edward Boyer, MD PhD, University of Massachusetts-
Worcester: nothing to disclose
• Esther K. Choo, MD MPH, Brown University: nothing to
disclose
• Rebecca Cunningham, MD, University of Michigan: nothing
to disclose
• Raina Merchant, MD, University of Pennsylvania: Pilot
funding: Physio-Control Seattle, Washington; Zoll Medical,
Boston MA; Cardiac Science, Bothell, Washington; Philips
Medical Seattle, Washington.
• Megan Ranney, MD MPH, Brown University: nothing to
disclose
• Karin Rhodes, MD MS, University of Pennsylvania: nothing
to disclose

3. Goals of this didactic
1. How to use technology for core research
functions
2. What technical expertise, infrastructure, and
costs are involved
3. How to address privacy/confidentiality issues

4. But before we get started….

5. So why are we all so interested in
technology?

6. It may help overcome research
challenges…
The research itself
The engagement of the patient
The real-world applicability of our work

7. Everyone has it…

8. It’s confidential and anonymous…

9. It’s time-effective…

10. It’s automated, reproducible, high-fidelity, and
easily disseminated….

11. But there are challenges!
• Feasibility versus effectiveness
• Acceptability (to patients, to grant-reviewers)
• Privacy/confidentiality
• Start-up and maintenance costs
• Cognitive dissonance for the researcher!

12. So let’s talk:

13. A few references to whet your
appetite…
• Boyer EW, Fletcher R, Fay RJ, Smelson D, Ziedonis D, Picard RW. Preliminary efforts directed toward the detection of craving of illicit
substances: the iHeal project. J Med Toxicol. 2012 Mar;8(1):5-9. PubMed PMID: 22311668.
• Moore JO, Boyer EW, Safren S, Robbins GK, Boudreaux ED, Rosen R, Barton B, Moss F. Designing interventions to overcome poor
numeracy and improve medication adherence in chronic illness, including HIV/AIDS. J Med Toxicol. 2011 Jun;7(2):133-8. PubMed PMID:
21455810.
• Boyer EW, Smelson D, Fletcher R, Ziedonis D, Picard RW. Wireless Technologies, Ubiquitous Computing and Mobile Health: Application
to Drug Abuse Treatment and Compliance with HIV Therapies. J Med Toxicol. 2010 Jun;6(2):212-6. Review. PubMed PMID: 20623215.
• Walton MA, Chermack ST, Shope JT, Bingham CR, Zimmerman MA, Blow FC, Cunningham RM. Effects of a brief intervention for
reducing violence and alcohol misuse among adolescents: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2010 Aug 4;304(5):527-35. PubMed
PMID: 20682932.
• Merchant RM, Elmer S, Lurie N. Integrating social media into emergency-preparedness efforts. N Engl J Med. 2011 Jul 28;365(4):289-91.
PubMed PMID: 21793742.
• Merchant RM, Abella BS, Abotsi EJ, Smith TM, Long JA, Trudeau ME, Leary M, Groeneveld PW, Becker LB, Asch DA. Cell phone
cardiopulmonary resuscitation: audio instructions when needed by lay rescuers: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Emerg Med. 2010
Jun;55(6):538-543.e1. Epub 2010 Mar 4. PubMed PMID: 20202719.
• Choo EK, Ranney ML, Aggarwal N, Boudreaux ED. A Systematic Review of Emergency Department Technology-based Behavioral Health
Interventions. Acad Emerg Med. 2012 Mar;19(3):318-28. doi: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.2012.01299.x. PubMed PMID: 22435865.