Clinical Trial and Research Study Recruiters’ Verbal Communication Behaviors

Abstract

The lack of accrual to research studies and clinical trials is a persistent problem with serious consequences: Advances in medical science depend on the participation of large numbers of people, including members of minority and underserved populations. The current study examines a critical determinant of accrual: the approach of patients by professional recruiters who request participation in research studies and clinical trials. Findings indicate that recruiters use a number of verbal strategies in the communication process, including translating study information (such as simplifying, using examples, and substituting specific difficult or problematic words), using linguistic reframing or metaphors, balancing discussions of research participation risks with benefits, and encouraging potential participants to ask questions. The identification of these verbal strategies can form the basis of new communication protocols that will help medical and nonmedical professionals communicate more clearly and effectively with patients and other potential participants about research studies and clinical trials, which should lead to increased accrual in the future.

Barriers and Strategies for Recruitment of Racial and Ethnic Minorities: Perspectives from Neurological Clinical Research Coordinators

“…[23, 24] Despite the considerable influence of CRCs on the composition of clinical trials, relatively little research has been conducted to understand factors that may influence their engagement with patients. [20, 25, 26]…”

Assessing Communication Practice during Clinical Trial Recruitment and Consent: The Clinical Trial Communication Inventory (CTCI)

“…Toward this end, we have developed a self-report questionnaire that focuses on communication behaviors that are critical for effective clinical trial recruitment and consent. The measure is grounded in the empirical literature on clinical trial communication, particularly the work of Morgan and colleagues, who identified verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors that recruiters themselves associate with effective recruitment and consent processes [12][13][14][15].…”

“…It is important, however, to examine the specific communication behaviors that lead to more effective recruitment, consent, and retention. A study of 63 medical professionals in two diverse U.S. cities indicates that both verbal and nonverbal communication practices support effective recruitment and consent processes [12][13][14][15]. Specific verbal communication behaviors that are associated with effective patient recruitment and consent include translating and simplifying information through the use of lay language and examples; reframing information through the use of metaphors, analogies, and storytelling; balancing discussions of risks with benefits; and encouraging potential participants to ask questions [12].…”

A Scoping Review of Strategies to Increase Black Enrollment and Retention in Cancer Clinical Trials

“…24 Morgan et al identified several behaviors among research coordinators, study nurses, and professional recruiters that supported recruitment, such as establishing personal connections, demonstrating respect, expressing empathy, simplifying study information, encouraging questions, equally discussing the risks and benefits of participation, maintaining ongoing contact, and being flexible. 25,26 Eggly et al 27 found that in the setting of a positive patient-provider relationship, there was a significant positive association between oncologists' recommendations and patients' decisions to participate in CCTs. Conversely, providers' time constraints as well as biased assumptions of patient disinterest or noncompliance with CCT can thwart accrual of Black patients.…”