A community-informed recruitment plan template to increase recruitment of racial and ethnic groups historically excluded and underrepresented in clinical research

Abstract

IntroductionEngaging communities in research planning and implementation can enhance recruitment and retention (R&R) of racial and ethnic groups historically excluded and underrepresented in clinical research; however, most studies do not use community-informed approaches. This paper describes the formative research process used to design a Community-Informed Recruitment Plan Template for racial and ethnic groups historically excluded and underrepresented in clinical research. MethodsUsing an existing R&R template as a starting point, we iteratively developed and refined the community-informed template through a 3-phase process to achieve cultural-appropriateness. Phase 1 included a literature review, 34 community engagement (CE) studios to review recommendations, community advisory board (CAB) review, and survey data from minority recruitment experts. Phase 2 involved integration of content into existing R&R template. Phase 3 was a final review and revision using input of the CAB and researchers' panel. Survey data collected in Phase 1 were analyzed using descriptives (i.e., frequencies and percentages). Open-ended survey responses were analyzed using inductive, qualitative thematic analysis. ResultsThe final 8-section template can help develop effective grant or proposal language where study R&R plans are requested. They include: 1) Recruitment Strategy; 2) A Stakeholder Communication Plan; 3) Evidence of Recruitment Feasibility; 4) Recruitment and Retention Team; 5) Recruitment and Retention Methods; 6) Recruitment and Retention Timeline; 7) Evaluation; and 8) Budget. ConclusionsIncorporating multiple perspectives into this formative research process enhances the cultural appropriateness of this community-informed R&R template to help research teams achieve R&R goals for individuals historically excluded and underrepresented in clinical research.