Services

1. Consultation is available to assist investigators with grant planning including consideration of the specific aims within the context of OSU and community environments, potential study populations, recruitment goals, and plans. Based upon the needs of the investigator, a recruitment work plan to facilitate accrual, especially of minorities and the underserved, is developed. This work plan can be as simple as assistance in finding sources or referral bases for the study population or as extensive as recruiting the study participants in the community.

2. Consultation for and review of informed consent documents for compliance with IRB and HIPPA requirements are available. Tailoring of consent forms to be culturally sensitive and written at the appropriate reading level is provided for each population.

3. Resources are available for recruitment, including the provision of media or print advertisements for specific studies and screening scripts for inclusion/exclusion criteria. Standardized recruitment forms can be developed to ensure that all recruitment personnel gather data in a uniform manner and that minority and underserved populations are being aggressively recruited.

4. Development of recruitment databases that include tracking and monitoring systems is available. In addition, we assist in the monitoring recruitment activities, and reevaluate recruitment strategies, as necessary. 

5. Assistance to investigators is provided to determine recruitment personnel needs, and as appropriate, for the accrual of underserved, and minority populations. As necessary, we can assist in the hiring of, or make recommendation for the hiring of recruitment/follow-up staff or provide the services to conduct the recruitment activities. Services include establishing participant eligibility through chart review, phone screening, and other means depending upon the type of study. As necessary, we conduct actual clinic visits where screening occurs.

6. Provide recruitment reports to OSUCCC investigators. These reports include an accounting of every individual/case screened for the study/protocol.By reviewing the reports the investigator is able to identify why accrual is occurring at a particular rate and adjust strategies accordingly.

7. Elimination of barriers associated with recruitment are also addressed by facilitating meetings to discuss the project with members of the source population. The source may be specific physician practices, community agencies, registries, or providers and health agencies in different parts of the state or country.