Twelve tips to guide effective participant recruitment for interprofessional education research

BACKGROUND: The success of research in interprofessional education is largely due to the participation of students. Their recruitment is, however, perhaps the most challenging part of any study, and, yet, is a key determinant of the results. AIM: The aim of this article is to provide a "how to guide" for medical education researchers to facilitate the recruitment of students across health professions. RESULTS: The 12 tips are (1) establish clear expectations with your research team from the start; (2) do your homework: invest time and energy in pre-recruitment preparation; (3) develop a plan: be realistic about your resources; (4) create a "Buzz" about your interprofessional research; (5) prepare multiple communication methods - can't just rely on one! (6) engage volunteers across professions to participate; (7) address the participant's willingness to take part in the research; (8) demonstrate good interpersonal skills; (9) be diligent in tracking participants; (10) show appreciation and share results; (11) consider participant incentives: are they really important? (12) maintain tenacity - no one said interprofessional recruitment was easy! CONCLUSIONS: Interprofessional studies offer numerous logistical, administrative and scheduling challenges; the 12 tips are provided to help medical education researchers develop and manage the successful recruitment of students across the health professions.