Factors Affecting Clinical Research Participation at the Tufts Dental School

Objectives: Clinical research at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) is dedicated to the advancement of science and improving oral health care. Research participation is critical to achieving these goals. In reviewing 7 clinical research studies conducted at TUSDM from 2014-2016, a participant retention rate of 96% was achieved. This study sought to identify factors affecting research recruitment and retention at TUSDM through quantitative methods.

Methods: An Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved, 33-question, validated survey using Likert scaling was administered through Qualtrics to 27 enrolled research participants attending a final study visit at the TUSDM research clinic. Survey questions evaluated reasons for participation and the level of satisfaction with the TUSDM research experience. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine associations.

Results: Of the 27 participants surveyed, 74% were between the ages of 21 and 50. The majority of participants were female (78%). 59% identified as white, non-Hispanic. English was the language most commonly spoken at home (78%). 52% of participants were employed. Compensation was considered ‘very important’ to 41% of participants, while a positive experience with the dentist and coordinators was considered ‘very important’ by 67% and 70% respectively. Recruitment by word of mouth was not associated with returning two or more times (p=1.00), however recruitment by phone call was associated with increased retention (p=0.02). A majority of participants (81%) rated their overall experience as ‘excellent,’ and 100% reported a willingness to come back to TUSDM for research based on their experience.

Conclusions: A positive research experience between research team members and participants, along with compensation considerations, may increase retention rates for current studies and recruitment rates for future research studies. There appears to be a correlation between informing potential participants of a research study directly over the phone and getting them to return for future research participation.