Research method issue: recruiting and retaining subjects in a research study
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Research method issue: recruiting and retaining subjects in a research study

Philippe Voyer Associate professor, Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, and researcher, Geriatric Research Unit, and geriatric nurse specialist, St-Sacrement Hospital Centre, Quebec City
Sylvie Lauzon Associate professor and director of the School of Nursing, l’Université d’Ottawa, Canada
Johanne Collin Associate professor with the Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Canada, Research Group on Social Aspects in Health and Prevention (GRASP)
Sandy O’Brien Professor with the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Canada, ISAPA, the International Association of Aging and Physical Activity

This article considers recruitment and retention of study subjects, two vital elements of the research process. Using as an example a Canadian programme to engage older people in physical activity, Philippe Voyer, Sylvie Lauzon, Johanne Collin and Sandy O’Brien Cousins describe how these twin challenges can be addressed

This study derives from a larger study examining the association between mental health and the consumption of psychotropic medication among seniors living in retirement homes (Voyer et al 2004a, Voyer et al 2004b, Voyer et al 2004c). As part of the design of this study, older adults had to take part in a physical activity programme. The object of this article is to describe the recruiting and retention strategies applied in this study.

Nurse Researcher. 15, 3, 12-25. doi: 10.7748/nr2008.04.15.3.12.c6453

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