Recruiting Practice-based Research Network (PBRN) physicians to be research participants: Lessons learned from the North Texas (NorTex) needs assessment study

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine strategies for recruiting physician subjects in a practice-based research network continuing education research study, using different recruitment methods at four systems, or health plan arrangements. Methods: The North Texas Primary Care Practice-based Research Network Needs Assessment Study consisted of a survey and five self-directed medical record abstractions. Physicians were recruited to be research subjects from four systems, using different recruitment strategies. χ ² was used to determine differences in physicians consenting and completing the study between systems. Kruskal-Wallis was used to determine differences in time from first contact to consent and number of contacts required before consent between systems. Results: One hundred five of 211 physicians (49.8%) consented to participate, of which 90 (85.7%) completed the survey. There was a significant difference by system in the number of physicians who consented (P ∇ .04) and number of contacts required pre-consent (P < .001) but not in the number of physicians completing the study or time from first contact to consent. Discussion/Conclusions: Success of recruiting physicians to be research subjects varied between systems using different recruitment methods. Lessons learned include using clinician champions to make initial contact, establishing a relationship with clinic personnel, distinguishing the research team from a pharmaceutical representative, establishing a preferred contact method, and collecting study materials on a set timeline.