Lessons Learned From 2 Research Studies Enrolling Underrepresented Patients With Ventricular Assist Devices and Their Family Caregivers

Abstract

Given the continued challenges of and barriers to recruiting and retaining underrepresented groups in cardiovascular studies, this study aimed to describe successful recruitment strategies used by 2 related ventricular assist device (VAD) studies. The 2 exemplar studies focused on understanding how adults with a VAD and their family caregivers discuss, reflect upon and act on their personal values. To recruit a more representative and diverse sample reflective of the substantial Black population receiving care at the local academic hospital outpatient clinic, we developed multipronged recruitment strategies for a convergent mixed-methods study (Study 1) and a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study (Study 2). Two underlying principles guided recruitment strategies: (1) clinician-scientist collaboration, and (2) personalized participant interactions. This article reflects on lessons learned by an early career investigator and her mentors from 2 studies, which will support ongoing inclusive recruitment in future projects.