To describe a successful non-traditional approach to clinical trial recruitment.

Traditionally, researchers recruit clinical trial volunteers via an invitation to participate in a study at the researcher’s office or clinic. Recruitment, particularly of older individuals with mobility and/or other limitations, can be challenging. A few studies have documented alternate approaches. A STAT report provides an overview: 

This abstract describes a successful effort to recruit volunteers with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by enrolling and evaluating the volunteers on site in the community. The researchers investigated the use of virtual reality (VR) for a study entitled “Quantifying and attenuating pathologic tremor in virtual reality.” The entire data collection process including consenting and testing of individual subjects took place in a public park where the individuals with PD were gathered for a weekly outdoor exercise program. The researchers were vetted by the local exercise program leader, completed the university IRB process, and were introduced on site by the exercise leader, establishing legitimacy. A subsequent smaller scale effort, involving individual clients at a community wellness center was also successful. In both cases the researcher transported the VR equipment to the community setting, which was easily accessible to the volunteers and adjacent to parking.

Fifteen individuals with PD were recruited and enrolled during the first session and eleven clients of the wellness program were recruited during a second session. Perhaps most noteworthy, once the researchers had set up the equipment there was a line of volunteers waiting to participate. Although a chance to explore VR is undoubtedly more appealing than some research opportunities, the endorsement of the research activity by local leadership and its immediate popularity were evident. Further discussion of the project: 

Tailoring the approach to recruitment, by emphasizing convenience for the research subjects and by facilitating shared enthusiasm, can promote success.