It is acceptable to include the compensation amount in recruitment materials. However, recruitment materials (i.e., the initial presentation of information about a research study to potential subjects) should not over emphasize the amount of compensation for participation. This policy applies to recruitment materials such as posters or flyers, mass mail or e-mail messages, or newspaper, radio or television advertisements and other materials that provide initial information about a research study.
Rationale
Excessive emphasis of the compensation dollar amount in the initial contact with potential subjects may unduly influence them to participate in the research even if it is not in their best interest.
Guidance for Principal Investigators and Research Team Members
The IRB recommends the following guidelines:
Include a detailed description of the recruitment method(s) in SectionVII.D.29 and/or VII.D.30 of the HawkIRB application. When the compensation amount is included in recruitment materials, the payment or the dollar amount must not be emphasized.
For print or web-based materials, do not emphasize the compensation or payment amount in large or bold type or with any graphic design elements (such as dollar signs). For verbal recruitment efforts (in-person or over the phone), the compensation amount must not be used as a promotional or “selling” point to encourage individuals to participate in the study. Provide a detailed compensation plan in Question VII.E.19 of the HawkIRB application.
Code of Federal Regulations Citations and Guidance
Whether or not the compensation amount can be included in recruitment materials is not specifically addressed in the DHHS or FDA sections of the Code of Federal Regulations. According to FDA guidance (“
Recruiting Study Subjects” [1998], “Advertisements may state that subjects will be paid, but should not emphasize the payment or the amount to be paid, by such means as larger or bold type.”
This issue is not addressed in the FDA Information sheet entitled “
Payment to Research Subjects” [1998] but is addressed in OHRP Frequently Asked Questions found
here.
University of Iowa IRB Policy Citations and Guidance
Guide for Human Subjects Research at the University of Iowa
University of Iowa Operations Manual and Guidance
None
University of Iowa IRB ICD Template Wording
None
Internal HSO references
None
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