Objectives/Goals: Implementation strategies to improve clinical trial recruitment exist yet training opportunities for successful recruitment are limited. Using the translational science promotion and research capacity (T-SPARC) framework, we developed and evaluated an educational intervention to increase use of recruitment science in translational research Methods/Study Population: We conducted focus groups with investigators and trainees (n=10) involved in CTSA programming at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Focus groups explored participants’ experiences with study recruitment and their perceptions of recruitment strategies associated with implementation science. Data analysis was organized around identifying themes to inform a capacity-building recruitment science short course. The short course development was aligned with T-SPARC and featured interactive sessions on applying implementation science to successful recruitment, with real-world examples and community expert input. Following the course, we collected and analyzed post-survey data from attendees (n=168) regarding their changes in recruitment science knowledge due to participation in the short course. Results/Anticipated Results: Most focus group participants were unfamiliar with recruitment science, though some described applying related concepts such as partnering with community members in research. All participants expressed a need for ongoing support and training in recruitment science, including workshops, mentoring, and consultation. This indicated a need for training in translational science, specifically recruitment science, as the mechanism of change. Following the short course that was developed based on these focus group findings, attendees showed a significant increase in how to use recruitment science strategies (Z = −4.87, p < .001) and understanding of how implementation science can promote effective recruitment of research participants (Z = −4.45, p < .001). Discussion/Significance of Impact: There is need and interest in capacity-building for effective recruitment and implementation science strategies among investigators, and these needs can be met through activities like the implementation science short course. Building capacity in this area enhances research rigor, collaboration, and the translational impact of clinical trials.
Resnik et al. (Wed,) studied this question.