Recruitment involves attracting and selecting suitable candidates for a project. It can be conducted through newspapers, email, posters, brochures, by internet, radio or television announcements, or by soliciting volunteers in public spaces.
Recruitment Materials
When a project requires IRB review, all recruitment materials must be reviewed as part of the study before they can be used
Recruitment materials should include:
- Accurate description of the research purpose
- Name and address of the investigator or facility (including university affiliation and/or department)
- Condition under study or purpose of the research
- Eligibility criteria
- Time commitments required
- Location of the research
- Person to contact for further information
Do not include:
- Coercive language
- Claims that a device or drug is safe and effective
- The words “new treatment,” “new medication,” or “new drug” if the test article is investigational
- Promises of “free medical treatment”
- Amount of payment, dollar signs, or the words “free” in large or bold face type
- Compensation should not be excessive relative to the nature of the project
- Statements or implications assuring favorable outcome or other benefits beyond what is outlined in the consent document and protocol
- Claims, either explicitly or implicitly, that the test article is known to be equivalent or superior to any other drug, biologic, or device
- Exculpatory language
Articles on Research Engagement
Toolkit for Developing Community Partnerships
Community Engaged Research 101 (video)
Principles of Community Engagement
Clinical Research Recruitment
Recruiting Study Participants through Your Website | First Clinical
Patient Empowerment Key To Trial Recruitment, Report Finds | PharmaTimes
FDA Info Sheet: IRB Review of Study Recruitment Materials
NIH Clinical Trial Recruitment – ResearchMatch