72 Participant Recruitment at OHSU: Equipping Researchers to Overcome Recruitment Challenges

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Under enrollment of trials is a continued challenge in clinical research. In response, the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), the CTSA at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), launched a central resource, OCTRI Recruitment, to equip researchers with the knowledge and tools needed for recruitment success. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: OCTRI Recruitment focused programmatic development in response to the voice of OHSU researchers. In 2018, a qualitative assessment project, “Clinical Research Recruitment Methods at OHSU”, was launched, which included a survey (N=100) and optional interview (N=24), to determine recruitment method utilization and experience, along with opinions on the needs and culture of recruitment at OHSU. In 2022, as part of the same protocol project, a second survey was deployed (N=31), to determine changes in recruitment method use and to identify further recruitment challenges. OCTRI Recruitment also obtains continual informal input on perceived recruitment challenges and opportunities through engagement within the OHSU research team community. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: 2018 survey and interviews showed: many researchers relied on their clinic’s patient population for recruitment (74%); were unaware of available tools to recruit OHSU patients, especially informatics tools (5-22%); and were not aware of and minimally use methods to recruit outside OHSU (<40%). In response, OCTRI Recruitment developed and began recruitment consultations, guidance materials, and educational seminars. In 2022, survey results showed an increase in the use of informatics-based recruitment tools (2-14%+) and increased use of methods focused on individuals outside of OHSU (1-7%+). Additionally, a review of studies post OCTRI Recruitment consultation over three years (N=51) showed that of those studies, 40% increased enrollment numbers and 61% increased team’s confidence level post consult. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This approach to program creation allowed for a uniquely targeted development of services in response to the voice of OHSU researchers and recruitment challenges. Based on additional data, efforts have begun to address the recruitment challenges of a study opportunity website, participant compensation methods, and community-based recruitment.