Use of Community Engagement Strategies to Increase Research Participation in Practice-Based Research Networks

Directors of practice-based research networks (PBRNs) across the United States were surveyed to assess their use of community engagement approaches to recruit and retain participants from their local communities, especially racial/ethnic communities. Survey respondents indicated whether their research network planned for, implemented, and had capacity for activities that engage clinic and community partners in seven recommended strategies organized into study phases, called the cycle of trust. The researchers found that PBRNs that adopt engagement strategies when working with clinic and community partners have less difficulty in recruiting diverse populations.

Spears W, Tsoh JY, Potter MB, et al. Use of community engagement strategies to increase research participation in practice-based research networks (PBRNs). Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 2014;27(6):763-771.