Recruitment Strategies for a Technology-Based Fall Risk Assessment Research Study Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults During a Global Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: To describe successful strategies for the recruitment of diverse community-dwelling older adults for a technology-based fall risk assessment research study during the global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 124 adults aged ≥60 years agreed to participate. We used several recruitment strategies, including social media platforms, local community centers, flyers, contacting key persons, word of mouth, and contacting participants from previous research projects. Results: Targeted and personalized strategies for recruitment, including contacting a key community leader (52.4%, n = 65) and communication with friends and family members (46.7%, n = 58), were the most successful. One (0.8%) participant was recruited from a prior research project. In contrast, individuals were not recruited from posted flyers and social media. Conclusion: Recruitment can be improved with word of mouth and contacting key persons, such as community leaders, which can be achieved by building a trusted relationship between researchers and community leaders. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50 (9), 18–23.]