RECRUITING OLDER ADULTS FOR CLINICAL-TRIALS

More than 400 community-dwelling older adults were recruited into a cl inical trial which compared the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatme nt through geriatric assessment with that provided through usual commu nity physician care. Six recruitment methods were utilized: referrals, solicitations, presentations, media, mailings, and fliers. Each metho d is described and its results reported in terms of numbers recruited, yield, and cost per participant. The most efficient method was referr als; the method producing the largest number was presentations; the le ast effective method was fliers. Problems and solutions are discussed, and guidelines for recruiting older adults are suggested. These guide lines include: monitoring with accompanying adaptation, targeting the groups most Likely to benefit, providing incentives, and reducing unce rtainty among potential participants. (C) J. Adams et al 1997.