CQI Quick Sheet: Protecting Participants in Data Collection

CQI evaluations may include surveys, focus groups, or interviews of stakeholders or parties. Some of these activities may require the oversight of an Institutional Review Board (IRB). All of these activities require considerations of several issues to ensure that participation is voluntary, risks are minimal, and that participants understand what they are agreeing to do. Children and parents are the most vulnerable. They may feel they have no choice but to participate; they may face risks to their privacy; and they may not understand what is being asked of them. Evaluators need to be sure to address these issues if they are involving parents and children in evaluation activities.