Recruitment Practices for U.S. Minority and Underserved Populations in NRG Oncology: Results of an Online Survey

An online survey of 556 recruitment practices across the NRG Oncology network (a nonprofit research organization formed to conduct oncologic clinical research) was conducted to learn about recruitment of participants from minority/underserved populations. The survey response rate was 34.9 percent. The most effective methods reported for recruiting minority/underserved participants were patient navigators (44.4 percent) and translators (38.9 percent). All institutions reported using a mechanism for eligibility screening, and 71 percent of institutions reported using a screening/enrollment tracking system. Cancer clinical trials training was required at 78.1 percent, and cultural competency training was required at 47.5 percent of responding institutions. Only 19.9 percent of sites used community partners to assist with minority recruitment, and just 37.1 percent of respondents reported having a defined geographic region (catchment area) in which they recruited.

Cook ED, Yeager KA, Cecchini RS, et al. Recruitment practices for U.S. minority and underserved populations in NRG oncology: Results of an online survey. Contemporary Clinical Trials 2018; 10:100-104.