After IRB approval has been obtained, the next step is to set a starting date. After this, a little preparation is required to start administering the survey at the chosen location.
First, copies of the actual survey needs to be made, along with copies of the informed-consent forms, letters to the staff of the department where the survey will be administered (so all the staff know what you are doing in their waiting room), and copies of the flyer to advertise.
In addition, you have to prepare a small sign to set on your table to attract people to your desk in the waiting room. You will also have to obtain a couple of clipboards and a dropbox with a lock/key, where patients can deposit their surveys.
Next, you will have to attend a meeting with the hospital manager, the physician you are assigned to, the head nurse, and the research coordinators of the program through your college of medicine. Here, you discuss how you will approach patients, what days and times the survey will be administered, where your desk may be placed in the waiting room, and the like.
Finally, someone from the hospital department where you are conducting your research will give you a tour of the facilities and the staff.
Once these responsibilities have been met, the survey administration can start.
