Trust Building Recruitment Strategies for Researchers Conducting Studies in African American (AA) Churches: Lessons Learned

Mistrust of medical research is an important barrier hindering recruitment in African-American communities. In this study, researchers conducted in-depth, face-to-face interviews with leaders from four African-American churches about their experience with and barriers to hospice and palliative care research. Mistrust based on experience with previous researchers emerged as a common theme. Findings suggested that researchers who wish to conduct successful studies in African-American religious institutions must implement trust-rebuilding strategies that include mutual respect, collaboration, and partnership building. Such as approach would benefit both researchers and the African-American community.

Bonner G, Williams S, Wilkie D, et al. Trust building recruitment strategies for researchers conducting studies in African American (AA) churches: Lessons learned. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care 2017;34(10):912-917.