Challenges and strategies for effective recruitment and retention of participants in clinical research studies

Effective recruitment and retention of participants in clinical research studies are critical to be able to draw meaningful and valid conclusions in research studies. However, there are multiple challenges related to communication, generalizability, and logistics. Researchers must address and overcome these challenges to ensure robust research outcomes. Effective strategies include honest and clear communication, awareness of reasons for (non)-participation, incentivization, and reimbursements of expenses as well as co-designing interventions and research protocols. This paper outlines common issues in participant recruitment and retention and provides practical strategies to overcome challenges.