Veterans, Researchers and IRB Members Experiences with Recruitment Restrictions Focus Group

OMB No. 2900-NEW

Estimated Burden: 2 hours

OMB Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX

Veteran focus group guide for research study on recruitment restrictions titled “Veterans, Researchers and IRB Members Experiences with Recruitment Restrictions”

The deliberative focus groups will explore Veterans’ views about research in general and recruitment for research in particular. In the group for which there is previous research experience, we will start by exploring their reasons for participating in research. Specific issues to be explored include:

• whether they would like to hear about potential studies by phone, in person, by letter
  or in clinic

• views on the role of their treating clinicians in the recruitment process

• what is the most important information for them to receive in recruitment letters

• what type of recruitment information might make them more interested in participating
  or less interested

• the role of confidence and trust in VA researchers in general and their VA in particular

• confidentiality concerns associated with recruitment practices

• how confidentiality concerns could change in some types of disease situations

• specific views on opt in/opt out methods

As each method is discussed we will ask them to project the risks and burdens, and clarify in terms of magnitude and probability of the bad outcome occurring. We will ask them to clarify how these perceived risks and burdens influence their decision. We will present the group with recruitment scenarios for discussion to make sure that a variety of themes are adequately covered including privacy, intrusiveness, and burden to self and family.