Underrepresentation of diverse populations in medical research undermines generalizability, exacerbates health disparities, and erodes trust in research institutions. This study aimed to identify a suitable survey instrument to measure trust in medical research among Black and Latino communities in Baltimore, Maryland.

Based on a literature review, a committee selected two validated instruments for community evaluation: Perceptions of Research Trustworthiness (PoRT) and Trust in Medical Researchers (TiMRs). Both were translated into Spanish through a standardized process. Thirty-four individuals participated in four focus groups (two in English, two in Spanish). Participants reviewed and provided feedback on the instruments’ relevance and clarity. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.

Initial reactions to the instruments were mixed. While 68% found TiMR easier to complete, 74% preferred PoRT. Key discussion themes included the relevance of the instrument for measuring trust, clarity of the questions, and concerns about reinforcing negative perceptions of research. Participants felt that PoRT better aligned with the research goal of measuring community trust in research, though TiMR was seen as easier to understand. Despite PoRT’s lower reading level, some items were found to be more confusing than TiMR items.

Community feedback highlighted the need to differentiate trust in medical research, researchers, and institutions. While PoRT and TiMR are acceptable instruments for measuring trust in medical research, refinement of both may be beneficial. Development and validation of instruments in multiple languages is needed to assess community trust in research and inform strategies to improve diverse participation in research.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had substantial global morbidity and mortality. Clinical research related to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 is a top priority. Effective and efficient recruitment is challenging even without added constraints of a global pandemic. Recruitment registries offer a potential solution to slow or difficult recruitment.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and implementation of a digital research recruitment registry to optimize awareness and participant enrollment for COVID-19-related research in Baltimore and to report preliminary results.

Planning began in March 2020, and the registry launched in July 2020. The primary recruitment mechanisms include electronic medical record data, postcards distributed at testing sites, and digital advertising campaigns. Following consent in a Research Electronic Data Capture survey, participants answer questions related to COVID-19 exposure, testing, and willingness to participate in research. Branching logic presents participants with studies they might be eligible for.

As of March 24, 2021, 9010 participants have enrolled, and 64.2% are female, 80.6% are White, 9.4% are Black or African American, and 6% are Hispanic or Latino. Phone outreach has had the highest response rate (13.1%), followed by email (11.9%), text (11.4%), and patient portal message (9.4%). Eleven study teams have utilized the registry, and 4596 matches have been made between study teams and interested volunteers.

Effective and efficient recruitment strategies are more important now than ever due to the time-limited nature of COVID-19 research. Pilot efforts have been successful in connecting interested participants with recruiting study teams.