Recruitment of elderly patients for research and data collection : experiences with a Hong Kong Chinese sample

Abstract

Recruiting elderly people for studies is a challenge for researchers. This paper discusses experiences and insights into recruitment of elderly Chinese participants for a restraint reduction clinical trial. Areas addressed include obtaining informed consent; factors affecting data collection; involvement of ward staff and relatives; and clinical research personal attributes. Insights suggest research personnel must appreciate and attend to cultural differences. Giving written consent is a serious matter for Chinese elderly; thorough and repeated explanation, plus family involvement is crucial to subject recruitment and retention. Researchers must recognize values, beliefs and perceptions, and external and internal factors that might distract elderly subjects during recruitment and data collection. Older Chinese patients are often accommodating and tend not to voice concerns despite doubts or when not well enough to continue an interview or assessment. Ward staff involvement is also recommended at each stage to bridge communication between patients, their relatives and the research team.