Recruiting and retaining participants requires careful consideration for successful evidence-based programming. Early in the planning process, a target audience for the program needs to be identified. Outreach and recruitment activities are the methods or means by which individuals from the target population are identified and enrolled in the program.
Outreach activities
One of the most critical outreach and recruitment activities is the identification and involvement of appropriate partners and sources within the community that can assist in reaching specific target audiences. The process of creating strong partnerships and involving them in outreach and recruitment is or can be a natural outgrowth of work with the task force formed earlier to assist with program implementation. Typically, a wide variety of approaches are used in publicizing the program and providing information about the program so that potential participants are well-informed about its existence and where and when it is to be offered. Some of the common methods used to draw attention to the program are:
- Newspaper articles
- Radio announcements
- Website or social media postings
- Posters placed in strategic locations
- Presentations in a variety of community settings
- Meetings with groups and agencies in the community
- Word of mouth, including testimonials from past participants
Marketing and Recruitment Materials for Evidence-Based Programs
- View marketing and recruitment templates for state and local agencies to use when promoting the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) in either English or Spanish.
Best practice examples
Explore over 150 resources collected from organizations implementing CDSME and falls prevention programs. Specifically, find resources to improve logistical processes, including marketing, recruitment, enrollment, referrals, and participant retention.
