In the realm of healthcare research, Japan is a unique and challenging market. At Uism, we’ve been at the forefront of bridging the gap for international healthcare companies, and are proud of our track record of diverse projects in the healthcare domain. From conducting concept evaluations with medical professionals and patients, to validation testing of medical devices, you name it – we’ve done it.
Though recruiting for healthcare studies can be exceptionally complex, we’ve enabled our clients’ success with even the most demanding recruitments. Let us share some tips for effective participant recruitment in Japan’s healthcare sector, for even the most challenging scenarios.
Effective Recruiting Methods for Success in Japanese Medical Research
1. Via Medical Recruitment Companies
To Recruit: Patients Caregivers Medical Professionals
Recruit just the right patients from a vast database of recruitment companies specialized in healthcare.
- Panels specialized in healthcare enable a wider range of recruitment.
- Ideal for studies involving diseases with a large number of patients or conditions applicable to many patients.
- The difficulty may increase in cases of rare diseases or when specific conditions are required.
2. Via Patient Associations
To Recruit: Patients
Approach communities of patients living with specific diseases to locate suitable participants.
- Approaching patient organizations for each disease makes it easier to recruit.
- Keep in mind you need to disclose information to earn the organization’s trust, such as the background, purpose of the project and types of questions.
- Be aware that patient organizations generally have a higher disease awareness compared to the average patient. Conduct research with caution.
3. Via Family Associations
To Recruit: Patients Caregivers
While patient associations focus on those living with a disease, family associations are gatherings for the families of patients dealing with specific diseases. This approach is especially suitable for cases like pediatric diseases or mental illnesses, where it is challenging to communicate directly with the patients, or when seeking opinions from caregivers.
- Suitable for cases where it is difficult to approach patients directly, or to learn about concerns of the families.
- Easier to obtain consent for participation as the family associations have a common experience and recognition of challenges related to the patient pain points.
4. Collaborate with Companies Operating Patient and Family Services
To Recruit: Patients Caregivers
This is to recruit patients and their families through companies that provide community services for patients and their families.
- It enables approaching a diverse range of patient groups through service operating companies.
- Some services develop communities focused on specific diseases, making it easier to find participants that meet the criteria.
◎Depending on the company, it may also be possible to narrowly screen potential candidates.
5. Get Introductions via Uism Network
To Recruit: Patients Caregivers Medical Professionals
Recruiting for rare diseases, or under highly challenging conditions can be difficult through conventional methods. In addition to the above approaches, Uism can facilitate introductions to suitable participants through our original network of doctors and nurses.
- Suitable for conditions that are challenging through general recruitment methods.
- For patients, introductions from a trusted doctor often provide a sense of reassurance, leading to a higher likelihood of active participation in the research.
1. Via Medical Recruitment Companies
To Recruit: Patients Caregivers Medical Professionals
Recruit just the right patients from a vast database of recruitment companies specialized in healthcare.
- Panels specialized in healthcare enable a wider range of recruitment.
- Ideal for studies involving diseases with a large number of patients or conditions applicable to many patients.
- The difficulty may increase in cases of rare diseases or when specific conditions are required.
2. Via Patient Associations
To Recruit: Patients
Approach communities of patients living with specific diseases to locate suitable participants.
- Approaching patient organizations for each disease makes it easier to recruit.
- Keep in mind you need to disclose information to earn the organization’s trust, such as the background, purpose of the project and types of questions.
- Be aware that patient organizations generally have a higher disease awareness compared to the average patient. Conduct research with caution.
3. Via Family Associations
To Recruit: Patients Caregivers
While patient associations focus on those living with a disease, family associations are gatherings for the families of patients dealing with specific diseases. This approach is especially suitable for cases like pediatric diseases or mental illnesses, where it is challenging to communicate directly with the patients, or when seeking opinions from caregivers.
- Suitable for cases where it is difficult to approach patients directly, or to learn about concerns of the families.
- Easier to obtain consent for participation as the family associations have a common experience and recognition of challenges related to the patient pain points.
4. Collaborate with Companies Operating Patient and Family Services
To Recruit: Patients Caregivers
This is to recruit patients and their families through companies that provide community services for patients and their families.
- It enables approaching a diverse range of patient groups through service operating companies.
- Some services develop communities focused on specific diseases, making it easier to find participants that meet the criteria.
◎Depending on the company, it may also be possible to narrowly screen potential candidates.
5. Get Introductions via Uism Network
To Recruit: Patients Caregivers Medical Professionals
Recruiting for rare diseases, or under highly challenging conditions can be difficult through conventional methods. In addition to the above approaches, Uism can facilitate introductions to suitable participants through our original network of doctors and nurses.
- Suitable for conditions that are challenging through general recruitment methods.
- For patients, introductions from a trusted doctor often provide a sense of reassurance, leading to a higher likelihood of active participation in the research.
Key Considerations in the Recruiting Process:
When Recruiting Patients and Patient Families:
Consideration of Privacy:
Many people prefer to keep their health status and treatment details private, so it is essential to approach and communicate with utmost sensitivity and care.
Explanation & Understanding:
Clearly and concisely explain the purpose, process, and benefits of the research. It is important that the participants have an accurate understanding of the research.
Communication:
Building a trusting relationship with the participants is essential. Strive to create an environment where the participants can express any questions or concerns without hesitation.
When Recruiting Medical Professionals:
Ease of Participation:
Given the strict infection control measures in hospitals, face-to-face survey participation can be difficult for medical professionals. We recommend online surveys, where possible, to ensure that they can comfortably participate.
Consideration of Time and Place:
Efforts should be made to collect valuable information in a limited time considering these professionals’ shift patterns (e.g. day and night shifts), and the busy nature of their work. It is advisable to consider conducting surveys online and offer a wide range of time slots, including weekends.
When Recruiting Patients and Patient Families:
Consideration of Privacy:
Many people prefer to keep their health status and treatment details private, so it is essential to approach and communicate with utmost sensitivity and care.
Explanation and Understanding:
Clearly and concisely explain the purpose, process, and benefits of the research. It is important that the participants have an accurate understanding of the research.
Communication:
Building a trusting relationship with the participants is essential. Strive to create an environment where the participants can express any questions or concerns without hesitation.
When Recruiting Medical Professionals:
Ease of Participation:
Given the strict infection control measures in hospitals, face-to-face survey participation can be difficult for medical professionals. We recommend online surveys, where possible, to ensure that they can comfortably participate.
Consideration of Time and Place:
Efforts should be made to collect valuable information in a limited time considering these professionals’ shift patterns (e.g. day and night shifts), and the busy nature of their work. It is advisable to consider conducting surveys online and offer a wide range of time slots, including weekends.
Summary:
For success in Japanese medical research, strategic recruiting is essential. There are various methods available, including collaboration with medical recruitment companies and doctors, as well as cooperation with organizations and businesses. The key to success lies in transparency and trust, such as in the ability to handle challenging cases when required.
Uism leverages our experience and network in medical research to offer recruiting strategies that can handle even the most challenging conditions. For inquiries about medical research, contact us [here].