Clinical Trial and Research Study Recruiters' Verbal Communication Behaviors

How professional recruiters approach patients is a critical determinant of enrollment into research studies and clinical trials. Findings indicate that recruiters use several 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 to help medical and nonmedical professionals communicate more clearly and effectively with patients and other potential participants about research studies and clinical trials.

Morgan SE, Mouton A, Occa A, et al. Clinical trial and research study recruiters’ verbal communication behaviors. Journal of Health Communication 2016;21(7):765-772.