ABSTRACT
Objective: To share with researchers the strategies used in the Parkinson's Foundation (PF) PDGENEration study to encourage the recruitment of minorities in genetic research. Background: Hispanics are interested in research participation and believe these efforts are key [1];but hindering barriers (i.e., transportation, low education, childcare, work schedules, English only documents) remain unaddressed by researchers. [2]. Methods: The PF created the GEN-EP Latino Advisory Committee to aid in the recruitment of Hispanic participants. The members of the advisory committee encompass representatives of the Hispanic community that work closely in the field of PD. Monthly meetings take place to continuously evaluate the needs of the community, identify study and recruitment barriers, create culturally appropriate study materials, evaluate the content of educational videos and plan outreach events. Results: All created documents were culturally tailored ensuring careful consideration of dialectal variations of the Spanish language. Access barriers were addressed by 1) Providing multiple ways for study sign up (phone, zoom events, and website), and 2) Recruitment of Spanish speaking staff to allow participants to experience the whole study in their native language. Due to COVID, all events were virtual and included relevant PD topics, engaging at home exercises with music, and panels of professionals, promotores, and Hispanics with PD sharing their points of view. Since 2020, we have hosted four events with a total of 280 attendees. [table1] After all these efforts, the recruitment of Hispanics has doubled to more than 6%. [table2]. Conclusion: Although the study is still in progress, we wish to share our strategies to spark recruitment of minorities across all research. The Hispanic community is eager to help in the advancement of science and it is now our job, as researchers, to address existing barriers. Creative thinking and additional efforts across all areas of study design and implementation ensure culturally competent research. It is time to achieve greater and more diverse knowledge that applies beyond the overrepresented majority.