140 Feasibility of Implementing Community Engaged Recruitment Approaches into a Multisite Trial with an Accelerated Timeline

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The objective of this project was to recruit racially and ethnically diverse participants with an accelerated timeline into a COVID-19 vaccine trial. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Recruitment of diverse populations was a priority. Culturally appropriate strategies were implemented to increase enrollment of African Americans and Hispanics from the DC Metropolitan area. These strategies included the use of the Community Advisory Board for consultation, faith-based community events, town halls, radio advertisements which targeted the African American community, and the NIAID COVID-19 registry. Meaningful patient engagement by the study recruiter/coordinator throughout the study was key to recruitment and retention of participants (i.e. listening attentively, sharing personal experiences with vaccination, providing participants with enough information to make an informed decision). Education on the importance of research and vaccines was a component throughout the process. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The Howard University site screened 188 participants. Of those, 150 were recruited into the vaccine trial from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds (30% AA, 21% Hispanic, 5% Asian, 1% mixed race), a total of 57% over seven weeks. Of the 150 participants 64% were male and 36% females. The study involved a 2:1 randomization with vaccine vs. placebo. All of the 150participants received the first and second COVID-19 vaccine/placebo doses administered 21 days apart. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Culturally-relevant recruitment strategies allowed for meaningful community and patient interactions and were important determinants for effectively recruiting a racially and ethnically diverse group of participants within a short amount of time. Strategies employed could be applied effectively in other trials.