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Problems in recruiting community-based physicians for health services research.
S Asch1, S E Connor, E G Hamilton
1West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA. Steven_Asch@rand.org
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|August 12, 2000
Summary
Physician recruiters and personal connections significantly boost participation in health services research. Reducing physician burden by utilizing project staff can improve recruitment rates.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Medical Sociology
- Physician Recruitment Strategies
Background:
- Community-based health services research often requires substantial physician time and effort.
- Understanding factors influencing physician participation is crucial for successful study recruitment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors associated with higher physician participation rates in demanding community-based health services research.
- To inform strategies for improving recruitment in studies with significant physician burden.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of MEDLINE and Social Science Research Index for relevant studies.
- Data abstraction by two reviewers on recruitment methods, with first author contact for additional information.
Main Results:
- Physician recruiters and personal physician networks strongly correlated with higher participation.
- Incentives showed minimal impact; time pressure was the primary barrier cited by physicians.
- Recruiting HMO-based and minority physicians presented unique challenges.
Conclusions:
- Leveraging physician personal networks and direct contact is vital for effective recruitment.
- Strategies should focus on minimizing physician burden by shifting tasks to research staff.
- Future recruitment efforts should consider tailored approaches for diverse physician groups.