Successful strategies for recruiting African Americans to prevention trials

Abstract

In 1992, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center instituted a multifactorial recruitment and retention strategy, including 1) policies promoting institution-wide cultural competence; 2) study specific recruitment plans implemented by a team of recruiter, public communication specialist, nurse study coordinator, computer specialist, and principal investigator; 3) a management plan using regular team meetings, a computerized tracking system, and volunteer feed back for quality improvement; and 4) reduction of barriers to participation coupled with positive reinforcement incentives. Recruitment methods included 1) radio/television/newsprint ads; 2) presentations at churches, social organizations, and work sites; 3) health fair screening; 4) direct mail; and 5) word of mouth. The results of this strategy are that, in 1995, there were 5456 volunteers for research trials conducted at the Pennington Center, 58% of whom were African Americans. Although investigators and their immediate research team members may profit from specific recruiting techniques, the commitment of the institution to minority recruitment is an essential element of success. Cancer 1998;83:1833-1835. © 1998 American Cancer Society.