Collecting and communicating perishable data in a post-disaster context: rapid research and rapid dissemination

Abstract

ContextPuerto Rico experienced four natural disasters in 4 years (2017–2021): Hurricanes Irma and Maria, thousands of earthquakes reaching 6.4 magnitude, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, our team sought to understand the impact of disaster aid distribution on poverty and economic inequality, and their relationship to the spread of COVID-19 across Puerto Rico. Rapid research was required to ensure we could collect perishable data within this ever-changing context.ChallengesOur mixed methods design relied on both secondary and primary data. Because analyses of the former were to inform where and how to collect the latter, timing was of the essence. The data sources identified were not readily available to the public, and thus required gaining access through direct requests to government agencies. The requests coincided with a transition between administrations after an election. This resulted in unexpected delays. Once in the field, the team had to balance the rapid nature of the research with the mindful work to avoid compounding traumas experienced by participants, heightened risk for re-traumatization and fatigue, the risk of COVID-19, the digital divide, and intermittent electrical and telecommunication services.AdaptationsIn response to the delayed access to secondary data, we adjusted our research question. We continued to collect data as they became available, incorporating some immediately into analyses, and cleaning and storing others for future research opportunities. To overcome ongoing trauma challenges and prevent fatigue, we recruited and hired a large temporary team, including members of communities where we collected data. By recruiting participants and co-researchers at the same time and place, we both collapsed time between these activities and increased our team's contextual competency. To adapt to challenges presented by the pandemic, we created hybrid data collection procedures where some data were collected online, and some in person, while maintaining COVID-19 protections. We used similar adaptations for dissemination.LessonsRapid research needs to be agile. Working within a convergence framework to investigate wicked problems had the unexpected added benefit of providing our team with a variety of disciplinary approaches which proved helpful in adapting to the changing conditions in the field. In addition to the resourcefulness of a transdisciplinary team, it is important to be willing to pivot in response to changes and to collect data where and when you can. To increase participation, opportunities need to be designed with flexibility, mindful of competing demands faced by individuals willing to collaborate. Collecting and analyzing data iteratively and utilizing local resources can enable rapid research that is rigorous and yields rich data.ContributionsOur team applied the lessons learned to structure a rapid and iterative dissemination plan. We combined member-checking with community-level dissemination, enabling us to hone findings further before presenting to policy makers and media. Rapid research creates opportunities to make data-informed program and policy adjustments when they can be most impactful. Both the media and policy makers pay closer attention to research on current events. Hence, our recommendation is to do more rapid research! The more we do, the better we will get at it, and the more accustomed community leaders, policy makers, and program designers will become to using data to inform decisions.

Defining, collecting, and sharing perishable disaster data

“…Disasters can be traumatic, and participating in research may be triggering for some disaster survivors and emergency responders (Montesanti, Walker, and Chan, 2022; Díaz et al, 2023). Although many disaster researchers have argued that participating in research can be cathartic, it is important to acknowledge that there is also research that suggests that recounting experiences of a traumatic event can heighten the risk of psychological or emotional discomfort (Collogan et al, 2004; Packenham et al, 2017).…”

“…In addition to the various ethical issues that can arise, collecting perishable data may also involve a range of logistical challenges. Some of these stem from the condensed timeline associated with gathering valuable data as soon as it becomes available and before it disappears (Díaz et al, 2023). With little time to prepare for an initial wave of data collection, researchers and research teams need to be equipped to address these challenges, so they can quickly mobilise to enter the field.…”

“…Researchers may speed up the time frame for study review and approval by developing a strong relationship with their ethics review committee, ensuring that all researchers have completed the necessary human subjects training, and writing generic disaster protocols that can be swiftly adapted after an event (Packenham et al, 2017; Peek et al, 2021). When researchers from multiple disciplines and government or academic institutions are involved in the rapid collection of perishable data, these pre‐event activities are important for helping collaborators to address research design issues well in advance of a disaster (Peek et al, 2021), while also being prepared to adjust research questions and data collection strategies accordingly (Díaz et al, 2023).…”

“…To access study sites, researchers may need to develop relationships, complete required paperwork, or attain formal agreements with local gatekeepers or government officials in advance of a disaster. Establishing these types of informal and formal connections can be mutually beneficial, as officials can facilitate site access while researchers can create protocols and processes for sharing data and actionable findings with decision‐makers (Kong, 2011; Díaz et al, 2023).…”

“…It is equally important that researchers remain mindful of the potential challenges or ethical pitfalls that can emerge through sharing data. To address these challenges, Díaz et al (2023) recommend an iterative process involving regular member checking and staged community‐level release of data. Their research following multiple, compounding disasters in Puerto Rico makes clear that there are ways that data can be systematically released to influence policy change effectively.…”