Recruitment of long-term care facilities for research

We report the successful recruitment of a stratified random sample of nursing homes in the state of Maryland into three research studies funded by the National Institute on Aging. These studies examine the prevalence of infections and urinary tract instrumentation and the incidence of antimicrobial use in nursing home residents. Following selection of a facility, the administrator was telephoned and a meeting at the home was requested. At this meeting, the project was explained in detail using a packet of promotional information which included a project summary, a listing of project staff and their qualifications, and letters of support from influential organizations. A total of 61 eligible facilities were contacted in order to achieve a group of 53 participating homes with approximately 5000 beds. One hundred percent cooperation was achieved from all strata except small (less than or equal to 50 beds) proprietary comprehensive care facilities, and homes with both comprehensive and domiciliary beds. A direct, personal approach, backed by a carefully prepared study information and the support of medical and nursing home organizations resulted in successful recruitment of 53 (87%) of 61 homes sampled.