Ink and Paper
by Jacqueline Stader

Recently, while on my way to a medical appointment I noticed multiple flyers of various colors taped to brick pillars. Obviously, it represented a myriad of hope for potential research recruiting. As I walked by I couldn’t help but think that it wasn’t a visually appealing sight to see some hanging by tape that no longer had staying power. Others were printed too small to capture my attention while others had the tear off strip of a phone number that I was sure I would be unable to remember why I even would have it in my possession. Some were even taped onto others.

Taking in all this information as I walked by was simply information overload. The disarray the pillars presented didn’t stimulate my visual response, in fact it had just the opposite effect. I didn’t want to even attempt to learn anything from this mish-mash of media.

As I waited for my test to be performed I couldn’t help but wonder why that method was still being used to reach possible subjects. It had an ill effect on me and I knew why it was there. What was the patient who had no clue what they were walking by thinking? Did these methods really work? Or was there a better way?

The longer my wait went on the more I focused on those questions. So after my test was completed I treated myself to a latte and had a seat near one of these plastered colorful pillars. For over a half hour I watched as what seemed like hundreds walked by these advertising posts and I was certain that nothing less than a clever study coordinator installing a flashing neon sign on one of these structural beacons would entice someone to give pause and investigate further.

As basic as this experiment was, I quickly realized that even signs posted in the office often went unnoticed, except for the office lunch potluck or the office holiday party. So now I understood why the possible subjects weren’t flooding in by the hundreds. (A coordinators dream) Additionally it also explained why even our telephone responders seemed constantly unaware of our projects.

Clearly the answers lay in the fact that everyone isn’t visually stimulated. We know that visual and spatial intelligence is one of our learning patterns but it appears not to be an effective choice in reaching patients. Or we are doing it poorly.

If ink and paper are going to be utilized in a recruiting program then it needs to be done in way that will actually be read by a potential recruit. Or, in a way that will actually provide information.

What does this mean to the successful recruiting site?

	It means that a successful recruiting program will use a multiple layered technique that reaches possible recruits in many different ways and in many different mediums.
	It will additionally enhance the positive side of research thereby making the possible recruit eager to participate.
	It will educate everyone on staff that has patient contact in any way completing the team approach to recruiting.

If it takes a village to raise a child, why haven’t we considered the possibility that it takes the entire office to reach a potential subject?

Jacqueline Stader is a Clinical Research Lecturer and Trainer. She supports clinical research personnel by sharing proven techniques, strategies, information and tips that inform and educate.

Visit her website at www.ortsedu.com
Copyright © 2006, by Jacqueline Stader. All rights reserved.