Special Events for the Retention of Volunteer (SERV) Goals and Objectives: SERV is a supplement to the Community Retention Intervention Strategies through Empowerment study (CRIS). Through CRIS, 30 volunteers from the community were trained as Lay Health Advisors (LHAs) to serve as motivators, community liaisons, health educators and mentors to minority and low-income women enrolled in a large clinical trial. CRIS purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of this strategy to maximize long term retention of clinical trial participants. Building on this framework, the goal of the SERV project was to maximize the retention and compliance of volunteers LHAs involved in the motivation of African-American and low-income women participating in a clinical research trial. SERV specific aim was to assess the impact of organized "special" events and activities on LHAs' ongoing motivation and retention in the CRIS study. Method: Special events/activities took place during LHAs' monthly meetings from December 1998 through December 2000. Outcome measures were attendance to meetings, continued compliance and overall satisfaction with participating in CRIS. Results: Attendance rate for meetings was at 75% on average, and compliance with study protocol has exceeded expectations. Lay Health Advisors have expressed satisfaction with and interest in each special event to date. Results from exit questionnaires are pending. Significance: This intervention offers an effective and practical strategy to motivate and retain volunteers involved in community work and research. The result will be the enhancement of health education in the community and an increase participation of minority populations in clinical trials.
Learning Objectives: at conclusion of session attendees will be able to: 1) recognize difficulties in retention of community volunteers, 2)develop/initiate specific programs to maximize volunteers retention in project and/or research. be able to develop and initiate
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham/National Cancer Institute
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.