Recruitment of Healthcare Providers into Research Studies

Abstract

Recruitment of a sufficient number of healthcare providers (HCPs), such as nurses and nurse practitioners (NPs), as participants is essential to generate high quality research to address issues significant for clinical practice. Often the recruitment process reported in research studies is very brief and does not capture the reality of the challenges of obtaining an adequate sample. This manuscript describes the challenges that we experienced in trying to recruit a sufficient number of HCPs, specifically NPs, into a randomized controlled trial. Based on our experience, as well as a review of the literature on recruiting HCPs, we share recommendations for researchers trying to recruit busy professionals as participants. Key findings were not just about reaching the target participants, but actually using strategies to stimulate their interest and persuading them to be involved from the beginning. Important things to consider for successful recruitment are making an effort to meet with professionals face-to-face and building relationships with administrators and other staff within organizations. Other lessons learned were to ensure to allot extra time for recruitment to allow for unanticipated challenges and to utilize multimodal strategies simultaneously to ensure a more timely execution of the recruitment process.

Characterizing experiences of non-medical switching to trastuzumab biosimilars using data from internet-based surveys with US-based oncologists and breast cancer patients

“…Additionally, it is possible that the sample was biased in that people who have experienced challenges with trastuzumab biosimilars may have self-selected for the survey. Oncologist responses comprised a limited sample that are a reflection of the difficulty in recruiting healthcare providers for research studies [ 26 , 27 ].…”

Use of a Community Engagement and Research Core model to enhance primary care provider recruitment: A case example

“…Based on our experience in this case study, we documented increased enrollment after implementing the CERC model and propose the model may be useful to enhance enrollment in other research projects. While individual recruitment methods described here are relatively common, 19,20 the combination of these elements and the team's dynamic interplay are innovative.…”

“…Based on our experience in this case study, we documented increased enrollment after implementing the CERC model and propose the model may be useful to enhance enrollment in other research projects. While individual recruitment methods described here are relatively common [18,19], the combination of these elements and the team's dynamic interplay are innovative. This model demonstrates that core principles of training and expertise, attention to efficiency and multitasking, and commitment to community can address recruitment barriers.…”

“…Our Clinical and Translational Science Center counterparts across the country have developed several recruitment support mechanisms and resources to support investigators including recruitment feasibility assessments, consultation, planning, and budgeting; help with study advertisements and recruitment materials; and direct recruitment, use of electronic medical records, social media services, screening/scheduling, and direct connection to commercial recruitment support 19. Only 28% of CTSC survey respondents in Niyibizi et al8 said they performed direct recruitment of participants, however.…”

Development of the Cardiovascular Assessment Screening Program (CASP) using the qualitative findings of a mixed methods study and applying the TDF to address the barriers of and facilitators to comprehensive screening for cardiovascular disease

“…There was no set cut-off of the number of participants from each of the target groups. Of note, researchers did experience significant difficulty in the recruitment of busy health professionals for both phases of the study as described elsewhere [ 26 ].…”