The Role of Nonverbal Communication Behaviors in Clinical Trial and Research Study Recruitment

Abstract

Few studies have examined the communication behaviors of those who recruit for clinical trials and research studies, particularly of nonmedical professionals who often do the bulk of recruiting. This focus-group study of 63 recruiters analyzes the ways in which nonverbal communication behaviors support the process of recruitment, using the lens of communication accommodation theory. Results indicate that recruiters first "read" potential study participants' nonverbal communication for clues about their state of mind, then use nonverbal communication to achieve a sense of convergence. Specific nonverbal communication behaviors were discussed by recruiters, including smiling, variations in the use of voice, adjusting body position, the appropriate use of physical touch, the management of eye contact, and the effect of clothing and physical appearance. Implications for recruitment practice are discussed.

Evaluating the efficacy of a registry linked to a consent to re-contact program and communication strategies for recruiting and enrolling participants into clinical trials

“…It appears that by sending the letter (low touch) and calling prospective participants via the phone call (high touch), study coordinators were able to establish contact with individuals, who were aware of the study and their eligibility, to discuss the trial and presumably, address participants' questions or concerns during this critical interaction. This confirms the benefits of using communication strategies that can establish a connection and maintain trust with prospective participants to increase recruitment [22] and accrual [10] , [22] , [23] , it underscores the utility of approaching clinical recruiting similar to other persuasive communication encounters; in order to effectively recruit and enroll participants into clinical studies, recruiters must engage strategies that provide opportunities for framing study participation in terms of the participant's needs, rather than strictly providing (e.g., sending a letter) information about the study [23] . Future studies should evaluate participant's preferences for being recruited into clinical studies, specifically individuals who have enrolled in a registry, been contacted about research, and declined to participate.…”

“…A second strategy is to have a coordinator call prospective participants on the telephone and ask them to participate. The benefit of using this strategy is that study staff (i.e., study coordinators, nurses) can use nonverbal communication behaviors to establish a connection with prospective participants and adapt their communication (i.e., rate, volume, tone) to match the participant [10] . These methods are more effective than mailers [11] , but may result in high costs and participant refusals [12] .…”

Playback: An Investigation of the Discursive Implications and the Pragmatic Functions of Repetition in Traditional Chinese Medical Consultations

“…It is beyond the scope of this article to present the history and the numerous propositions of CAT as it has been developed and refined over the past decades. The theory has expanded from a theory on speech adjustments to a more psychosocial theory, including varying discourse strategies and other nonverbal activities (for more discussions, see Giles, 2016; Harwood et al, 2019; Morgan et al 2017). Generally, CAT posits that individuals tend to use an accommodative stance in a given interaction to evoke approval.…”

Nonverbal Communication Of Legal Counsel With Defendants In Central Jakarta District Court Room

“…Nonverbal communication is a term used to reflect a variety of communication elements related to facial expressions, kinesic movements (body movements), social distance (proksemik), touch, speech tone. The importance of non-verbal communication is to achieve the objectives (Gurbiel, 2018;LeVan, 1984;Morgan et al, 2017;Svongoro et al, 2012).…”