Abstract ED01-04: Advancing the science of recruitment and retention of ethnically diverse populations

We highlight two critical challenges that must be addressed to accelerate the advancement of the science of recruitment and retention of ethnically diverse populations into clinical research. First, we present evidence of the relative lack of attention by researchers to recruitment and retention of ethnically diverse populations. Then, we present data on the inadequacy of dedicated funding to advance systematically this field. To begin to address these challenges, we describe strategies used by the National Institute on Aging (NIA)-funded Resource Centers on Minority Aging Research and other NIA-funded programs to advance the science of recruitment and retention. Finally, we propose broad recommendations for generating a body of evidence on successful methods of recruitment and retention of ethnically diverse populations in clinical research. To eliminate cancer health disparities in ethnically diverse populations, much more research is needed on effective strategies for increasing minority enrollment in cancer research. Experimental studies in the recruitment literature that rigorously test recruitment or retention methods are an exception despite the valuable evidence they contribute. Comparative effectiveness research on recruitment and retention methods designed to address mechanisms of underrepresentation in clinical research will require dedicated funding and concerted efforts by investigators. Citation Format: Anna M. Nápoles. Advancing the science of recruitment and retention of ethnically diverse populations. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr ED01-04.