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UI policy generally restricts the use of “cold calls” to recruit subjects to research studies. An introductory letter or other informational material must first be sent or given directly to subjects prior to telephone contact. Read the HSO cold calling policy here.
The VAHCS prohibits the use of cold calls to recruit subjects to research studies.
Finder’s Fees and Recruitment Incentives
UI policy strictly prohibits the acceptance or use of finder’s fees, recruitment incentives, or bonuses of any type to enroll study subjects. A finder’s fee or recruitment incentive may include bonuses given by sponsors to investigators or research team members (coordinators) to boost enrollment or referral fees given to physicians for referring his/her patients to another investigator’s study. Payments to investigators, research team members, or subjects for recruitment that are provided to the individual outside of the UI system are not allowed.
Acceptable strategies for recruitment of subjects for research can be varied and may include:
- Advertising to promote the study
- Direct communication with identified groups (patients, students, personnel)
- Referrals from other sources such as other physicians or disease registries
- Accessing listings such as listservs, mailing lists (with permission) and in some cases, medical records (see Partial HIPAA waiver below.)\