Challenges of recruitment: focus groups with research study recruiters

Abstract

To rectify the historic lack of research on women's health and the exclusion of women from many significant clinical trials, regulations have been promulgated requiring the inclusion of women and minorities in research studies. Acknowledging that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) mandate has resulted in more inclusive research, the unintended consequences associated with implementation of these regulations must also be explored. While the requirements preclude the use of cost as a reason for excluding women and/or minorities, the additional funding necessary to recruit adequate numbers of study participants has not been provided. Consequently, study recruiters often face unacknowledged expectations and job pressures as they attempt to meet recruitment goals. While it is important to support the NIH mandate, the additional stress imposed upon research study recruiters must also be recognized. Focus groups with study recruiters from various backgrounds and types of research provide an understanding of the challenges recruiters face when attempting to recruit diverse populations of women into research, and provide an understanding of the impact of recruitment goals on study recruiters' job satisfaction.