Organization and management of recruitment

Recruitment of participants to a multicenter study is complex. Considerable attention must be given to management and organization. In either a multi- or single-center study, a data-based management system is a sensitive and responsive means of monitoring participant flow. This system gives rapid feedback, encourages ongoing evaluation of strategies and permits centers to mark their own progress. In a multicenter study, an effective organizational framework for recruitment should include the central functions of administration, data management, monitoring progress and providing consultation concerning recruitment strategies, and public relations activities; and the recruitment team at each center, composed of counterparts of these central functions at the local level and the screening staff. The central staff is responsible for developing strategies, monitoring recruitment performance and providing consultation at the collaborative level. Staff from the central functional areas and local center recruitment teams can communicate effectively by using a central coordinating committee composed of representatives of each major component. This system is effective and applicable to most multicenter clinical research studies. In a single-center study, coordination may be provided through the recruitment team with equivalent representation to that described for this component in multicenter studies.