NYMC Faculty Publications

Employing Effective Recruitment and Retention Strategies to Engage a Diverse Pediatric Population in Genomics Research

Author Type(s)

Faculty

DOI

10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.10.015

Journal Title

American Journal of Human Genetics

First Page

2607

Last Page

2617

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-5-2024

Department

Pediatrics

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Humans, Male, Genomics, Patient Selection

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Underrepresentation in clinical genomics research limits the generalizability of findings and the benefits of scientific discoveries. We describe the impact of patient-centered, data-driven recruitment and retention strategies in a pediatric genome sequencing study. We collaborated with a stakeholder board, conducted formative research with adults whose children had undergone genomic testing, and piloted and revised study approaches and materials. Our approaches included racially, ethnically, and linguistically congruent study staff, relational interactions, study visit flexibility, and data-informed quality improvement. Of 1,656 eligible children, only 6.5% declined. Their parents/legal guardians were 76.9% non-White, 65.6% had public health insurance for the child, 49.9% lived below the federal poverty level, and 52.8% resided in a medically underserved area. Among those enrolled, 87.3% completed all study procedures. There were no sociodemographic differences between those who enrolled and declined or between those retained and lost to follow-up. We outline stakeholder-engaged approaches that may have led to the successful enrollment and retention of diverse families. These approaches may inform future research initiatives aiming to engage and retain underrepresented populations in genomics medicine research.

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