Challenges and Strategies Pertaining to Recruitment and Retention of Frail Elderly in Research Studies: A Systematic Review

This reviewed examined 15 articles to identify challenges and strategies pertaining to recruitment and retention of frail older adults in research studies. Lack of perceived benefit, distrust of research staff, poor health, and mobility problems were identified as common challenges. Common strategies used were to establish a partnership with staff that participants knew and trusted and to be flexible about the time and place of the study. Few studies performed analyses to compare the impact of specific challenges and strategies on refusal or dropout rates.

Provencher V, Mortenson WB, Tanguay-Garneau L, et al. Challenges and strategies pertaining to recruitment and retention of frail elderly in research studies: A systematic review. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics 2014;59(1):18-24.