Abstract
BackgroundRecruiting busy health care providers into research can be challenging. Yet, the success of a research project can hinge on recruitment response rates. This article uses a case study to demonstrate how qualitative researchers creatively readjusted their methods when standard methods were not yielding enough recruitment response with the aim of supporting other researchers with their recruitment. MethodsCase Example – Interest was expressed but response rates were low among nurses and health care aides in a research project on person-centred health care in a personal care home research site. The research team reconceptualized the participation design, creating a research ‘event’, which accommodated the time constraints and work culture of the respondents. The research event was much better attended than standard interview recruitment.ResultsThe research event approach overcame barriers to participation. An 80% response rate resulted. Standard response rates for research interviews tend to be well under 20%.DiscussionSuccessful recruitment hinged on the researcher’s willingness to reconceptualize the recruitment approach part-way through, when recruitment difficulties were encountered. The high response could be attributed to the methods’ alignment to the available time and work culture in respondent-centred ways. The results suggest that attending to aspects of the work culture can increase recruitment, improve the chances of successful data collection, and reduce the likelihood of research ‘stall’.ConclusionNew and creative approaches to recruiting nurses and health care aides to qualitative research studies can help to meet recruitment targets. Rethinking and redesigning recruitment strategies after research begins, can be a mark of a successful research strategy and not a failure of research design.
Should Health Care Aides Assist With Medications in Long-Term Care?
