May I Recruit through Your Agency? Considerations for Researchers of Spousal Caregivers

Few resources within social science literature provide helpful information related to participant recruitment for research on spousal caregivers of individuals with dementia. Independent researchers with limited resources may not have access to large databases or centers in which access to caregivers is readily available. As a result, these individuals may need to turn to local agencies, offices, or businesses that provide services or support to caregivers in order to recruit participants. However, gatekeepers whose interests include protecting this population often control such locations from third parties. Therefore, researchers may have to first contact these gatekeepers to attain permission to recruit participants. Using interviews and qualitative analysis, this study explored themes related to the attitudes and values that gatekeepers may have towards research and those who conduct it. This information can then be used by researchers to improve their approach to communicating with gatekeepers along with developing strong, professional relationships.