In order to assure recruitment procedures adequately protect the rights and welfare of prospective subjects, the IRB must review and approve all advertisement and recruitment materials for research conducted under the purview of UNC-Chapel Hill.
The following information should be included in order to provide sufficient information to enable an individual to determine their interest and eligibility:
- Name and address of investigator
- Purpose of study indicating it is a research study and the condition being studied, if appropriate
- Basic eligibility criteria
- Summary of study activities and time commitment required
- Location of the research
- Contact information of study team
- A brief list of potential benefits, if any
- The IRB study number and IRB contact information.
Advertisements should not include any language or elements that may overly optimistic or coercive:
- Use “free exam” or “free medical treatment” when the intent is to indicate that they will not be charged
- Describe “new drug” or “new treatment” without explicitly stating that the test article is investigational
- Include statements that promise or imply any of the following:
- favorable outcome beyond what is described in the consent form
- the drug, device, or biologic is safe and/or effective for the purpose of the investigation
- the drug, device, or biologic is superior or equivalent to any other drug, device, or biologic
- Emphasize payment with the use of bold or larger type
Please review our SOP 701, Section 2.4.10 for the complete description of recruitment advertisements and materials.