Symbolic value and limitations of racial concordance in the engagement of minority populations into research

The well-documented underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minority populations in public health and biomedical research demands action. Racial and ethnic diversity in research is an essential strategy in the campaign to eliminate health disparities to achieve health equity. However, the ever-growing field of health disparities research lacks scientific consensus about how best to respectfully engage minority populations into research. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured, telephone interviews with accomplished investigators (N=31), experienced in the recruitment and retention of minority populations. We used a novel data analysis technique, Co-Analysis, with a qualitative research consulting company. The method promotes shared decision-making between two entities examining one dataset. As a result, six core modules (Data Inventory, Written Reflection, Reflective Diagrams, Categorization, Bridging, and Data Presentation) were employed in this multidimensional qualitative analysis plan. Respondents reported that the racial and ethnic background of investigators was important, but alone, not a sufficient strategy to effectively engage minority community members in research studies. This presentation will highlight pertinent themes and subthemes from the investigators' perspective regarding challenges and approaches in the recruitment of underrepresented minority populations into research. For example, the nuanced role race and ethnicity play in the research recruitment process; critical factors associated with building authentic relationships with minority communities; and, the importance of self-reflection by investigators to effectively engage minority participants in research relationships. Lessons learned will be incorporated into a comprehensive curriculum designed to train investigators on best practices for the respectful and ethical recruitment of minority populations.