Recruitment Resources Toolkit

There are a wide variety of tools available to University at Buffalo researchers and Buffalo Translational Consortium partners that can enhance recruitment for your research study. From feasibility through follow-up, these tools can help bolster recruitment and retention.

Resources for Researchers and Study Teams

This toolkit serves as a guide for researchers who want to enhance recruitment for their research studies. Depending on the study, multiple tools may be used. If you have any questions about a tool, please contact ctsiresearch@buffalo.edu.

Study Listings Participant Databases Consultations Resources Plain Language Advertising

Prepaid Debit Card for Research Participants

gift card.

The Prepaid Debit Card Program allows for study teams to pay participants with prepaid Visa cards so that study participants can receive compensation in a simple, secure, and streamlined way.

Purpose

There are three different programs available: (1) reloadable card, (2) one-time digital reward card, and (3) one-time plastic reward card.

Access

Additional information about the Prepaid Debit Card Program can be found by clicking here. The following is necessary to apply for the program:

  • IRB approval
  • Account number
  • US Bank Advance Request Form
  • Study payment schedule

Please contact clincard@buffalo.edu for more information.

REDCap

REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) is a secure web application developed by Vanderbilt University for building and managing online surveys and databases.

Purpose
 REDCap provides automated export procedures for seamless data downloads to Excel and common statistical packages (SPSS, SAS, Stata, R), as well as a built-in project calendar, a scheduling module, ad hoc reporting tools and advanced features, such as branching logic, file uploading and calculated fields. Its recruitment use is to create screening surveys and e-consents.

Access
 REDCap is free to use for all UB researchers, staff and students. It may be accessed by clicking here and may be opened by creating an account using an UBIT name and password.

For an overview of its features and some quick video tutorials of REDCap in action, please see the Training Resources page.

NOTICE: Data collected for the purposes of human subjects research requires review and approval of the project by the IRB. Here is some language to use in the IRB submission to describe how the data is stored in REDCap:

"The University at Buffalo’s REDCap instance is located on UB’s Active Directory network. Access to REDCap data is encrypted and username/password protected. The REDCap management interface is on a private, non-routable network, accessible to system administrators only."

For assistance with or questions about REDCap, please contact redcaphelp@buffalo.edu.

REDCap login
REDCap services

Trial Innovation Network (TIN)

The Trial Innovation Network (TIN) is a collaborative initiative within the NIH Center for Advancing Translational Services (NCATS) CTSA Program. It focuses on operational innovation, excellence and collaboration, and leverages the expertise and resources of the CTSA Program.

Purpose
 To connect to a national network that has opportunities for investigators to join multi-site trials or for investigators to recruit other sites to participate in their multi-site trials. Also, investigators composing certain types of NIH grant proposals can request consultations and other services for multi-center clinical trials and studies.

Access
The TIN offers investigators the ability to request an initial consultation or specific services depending on the funding status of the proposal. To learn more about TIN, contact UB's TIN liaison team at ctsiresearch@buffalo.edu.

Trial Innovation Network Home

CTSI Training Videos

CTSI Open Research Office sessions feature important topics that can aid those involved in the research process. In addition, CTSI Educational Modules offer an overview and/or practical guidance on a wide variety of research-related topics ranging from study development to dissemination of research results.

Purpose

The CTSI offers a variety of recorded educational resources designed to assist investigators with recruitment.

Access

CTSI Open Research Office sessions have covered topics like clinical recruitment, while Educational Modules have covered CTSI recruitment assistance.

Accessibility

UB is committed to ensuring that everyone can access all that is offered, and to provide seamless inclusion for all.

Purpose

Learn how to ensure that created webpages, videos, and documents are fully accessible to all.

Access