Twelve tips to guide effective participant recruitment for interprofessional education research

The success of research in interprofessional education is largely due to the participation of students. Their recruitment is, however, perhaps the most challenging part of any study, and, yet, is a key determinant of the results.

The aim of this article is to provide a "how to guide" for medical education researchers to facilitate the recruitment of students across health professions.

The 12 tips are (1) establish clear expectations with your research team from the start; (2) do your homework: invest time and energy in pre-recruitment preparation; (3) develop a plan: be realistic about your resources; (4) create a "Buzz" about your interprofessional research; (5) prepare multiple communication methods - can't just rely on one! (6) engage volunteers across professions to participate; (7) address the participant's willingness to take part in the research; (8) demonstrate good interpersonal skills; (9) be diligent in tracking participants; (10) show appreciation and share results; (11) consider participant incentives: are they really important? (12) maintain tenacity - no one said interprofessional recruitment was easy!

Interprofessional studies offer numerous logistical, administrative and scheduling challenges; the 12 tips are provided to help medical education researchers develop and manage the successful recruitment of students across the health professions.