networks, so they are familiar with the perspective
of those less fluent in scientific language.
When seeking out recruitment committee members,
set up time for individual conversations to find out:
1) how much they know about the research; 2) if
there is anything in particular that interests them
about the study; 3) how active they are in their
community; and 4) if there is anything they would
want community members to know about this trial.
(See "Sample Questions for Selecting a Recruitment
Committee Participant Representative," on this
page.) Asking these questions will provide you with
insights into the perspective that potential members
bring to the committee. Once you have had the
opportunity to get to know potential members you
should be able to determine what value they can add
to the committee. Be highly selective in this process.
Recommended Organizational
Structure
To enhance the efficiency of recruitment committee
meetings, consider these tips:
+ + Designate one person (typically the same study
steering committee member who led formation
of the recruitment committee) to facilitate
regular meetings.
+ + Hold monthly meetings to develop and review
strategies, discuss study enrollment (projections
and actuals) and propose solutions to any
challenges or barriers.
+ + Provide an agenda in advance of each
meeting to allow members to solicit input
from their networks and come prepared with
thoughtful comments.
+ + Summarize notes from each meeting and
circulate to the group to create a historical record
of the decision-making process.
+ + Initiate recruitment committee meetings during
the study planning phase and continue through
study closeout.
and facilitate your recruitment efforts.
Sample Questions for Selecting a
Recruitment Committee Participant
Representative
These questions can guide conversations when
selecting potential participant representatives for the
recruitment committee.
+ + If you had to explain our trial in three sentences,
what would you say?
+ + What are some examples of cultural sensitivities
to science and clinical research?
– – Are there examples that are specific to
this community?
+ + What words associated with clinical research
tend to scare or worry people?
– – Be prepared to provide examples if none
are offered
+ + If your loved one or significant other told you
they were participating in this trial, what would
your reaction be?
+ + What are some words or phrases that would
make you feel positively about a clinical trial?
+ + What are some positive images that represent
clinical trials?
– – It may be helpful to have a few examples
on hand
+ + What information would you need to know
about a trial to be willing to participate?
+ + What sensitivities around Parkinson’s disease
should be considered when talking about a trial?
+ + How should patient-facing language differ from
language used when describing the trial in the
medical community?
+ + How should the trial team discuss potential
complications that could arise for patients
and/or controls during this trial?
An organized, efficient and thoughtful recruitment
committee will not only make your job easier, it also
will enhance your engagement with the community
Chapter 3 — Building a Recruitment Strategy and Toolkit
19