Guidelines for Advertising for Research Participants

Advertisements used to recruit human research participants are reviewed by the IRB as an extension of the informed consent process. Anything that is seen or heard by potential research participants is considered an advertisement. This includes, but is not limited to, flyers, letters, newspaper ads, TV/radio announcements, posters, and bulletins. Review of advertisements is necessary to ensure that the information is not misleading to the subjects.

The IRB must approve the advertisement before it can be used. Copies of all recruitment materials must be included as part of the initial request for protocol approval or submitted as an amendment (change/revision) to the protocol. It is recommended that the Principal Investigator obtain IRB approval of the advertisement text prior to production/taping in order to avoid re-taping because of unacceptable language or wording.

• name and address of Principal Investigator
• purpose of the research and eligibility criteria (in summary form)
• straightforward and truthful description of incentives, e.g. payments, a no-cost health exam
• time and other commitments required
• location of the research and the person to contact for further information