Understanding motivations to participate in an observational research study: Why do patients enroll?. (15th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soule, Michael C.; Beale, Eleanor E.; Suarez, Laura; Beach, Scott R.; Mastromauro, Carol A.; Celano, Christopher M.; Moore, Shannon V.; Huffman, Jeff C.
• Is Part Of: Social work in health care. Volume 55:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 231
• Page End: 246
• Publication Date: 2016-03-15
• Subjects: Cardiac -- motivation -- observational -- recruitment -- research participation; Medical social work -- Periodicals; 362.10425
• DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2015.1114064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0098-1389

Abstract

ABSTRACT: By understanding common motivations for participating in observational research studies, clinicians may better understand the perceived benefits of research participation from their clients' perspective. We enrolled 164 cardiac patients in a study about the effects of gratitude and optimism. Two weeks post-enrollment, participants completed a four-item questionnaire regarding motivations for study enrollment. Altruistic motivation ranked highest, while intellectual, health-related, and financial motivations rated lower. Four subgroups of participants emerged, each with distinct characteristics and different priorities for participating. These findings may help front-line clinicians to understand which motivations for participation apply to their clients who enroll in non-treatment-based research projects.