Translational research at community health centers: challenges and successes in recruiting and retaining low-income Latino patients with type 2 diabetes into a randomized clinical trial.
To describe methods used to recruit and retain low-income Latinos in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of a diabetes self-management intervention at 5 community health centers (CHCs) in Massachusetts.



Consent from primary care providers (PCPs) was obtained to screen their patients. Trained site research coordinators (SRCs) screened, recruited, and enrolled participants following a multistep process (medical record reviews, PCP approval, a patient eligibility interview) and provided support for retention efforts. Assessment staff were trained in motivational strategies to facilitate retention and received ongoing support from a retention coordinator. Electronic tracking systems facilitated recruitment and retention activities.



Of an initial pool of 1176 patients, 1034 were active at the time of screening, 592 (57%) were eligible by medical record review, and 487 received PCP approval (92% of reviewed patients). Of these, 293 patients completed the patient screening interview (60% of patients with PCP approval, and 76% of those reached), and 276 were eligible. Sixteen percent of all active patients refused participation, and 8% of contacted patients were unreachable. Two hundred fifty-two patients were randomized after completion of baseline assessments. Clinical, behavioral, and psychosocial assessment completion rates were 92%, 77%, and 86% at 12-month follow-up, respectively, and 93% of patients completed at least one study assessment at 12 months.



CHCs are a prime setting for translation research aimed to eliminate diabetes health disparities. Successful recruitment and retention efforts must address institutional/organizational, research team, and patient-related challenges.
Rosal
Milagros C
MC
The University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts (Dr Rosal, Ms White, Ms Borg, Dr Ockene, Mr Magner)
White
Mary Jo
MJ
The University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts (Dr Rosal, Ms White, Ms Borg, Dr Ockene, Mr Magner)
Borg
Amy
A
The University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts (Dr Rosal, Ms White, Ms Borg, Dr Ockene, Mr Magner)
Scavron
Jeffrey
J
Brightwood Health Center, Springfield, Massachusetts (Dr Scavron)
Candib
Lucy
L
Family Health Services of Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts (Dr Candib)
Ockene
Ira
I
The University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts (Dr Rosal, Ms White, Ms Borg, Dr Ockene, Mr Magner)
Magner
Robert
R
The University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts (Dr Rosal, Ms White, Ms Borg, Dr Ockene, Mr Magner)
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003151:Community Health Centers; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008404:Massachusetts; D018579:Patient Selection; D011203:Poverty; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012648:Self Care; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin