Objective: To discuss the development and benefit of an online internship program created to expand recruitment and retention within a PD cohort and introduce students to clinical research practices and professions.

Background: In 2023 the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), a longitudinal, observational study, launched by Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), sought to expand enrollment in their PD cohort. The implementation of an online undergraduate internship program, utilizing and expanding the study’s current recruitment infrastructure, satisfied the gap between study resources and project needs.

Method: Four undergraduate students, studying biological sciences and nursing in the United States (US), were selected as part-time (≤10 hours/week) interns to identify individuals eligible for the PD cohort to refer to clinical sites within the US and Canada. Virtual and self-guided trainings (synchronous and asynchronous) were provided. Topics included human subjects research, good clinical practice, data systems and productivity applications, and a PPMI study overview. Interns contacted individuals from three recruitment sources previously employed primarily for recruitment. Contacts were emailed to confirm interest and schedule phone interviews. Interns’ calls occurred during/outside business hours, to identify subject eligibility and preference for clinical site placement. Interns innovated processes as fluctuations arose in clinical site capacity and as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) criteria presented new considerations for referral assignments.

Results: Interns contacted 1,358 individuals, redirected from PPMI previous study recruitment sources, to prescreen for eligibility in the PD cohort.  PD cohort enrollment increased by 143 participants (+22%) through student intern efforts.  Part-time interns worked 707 hours over the 10-month project period. Of the four interns, all four expressed an interest to include clinical research in future professional pursuits.

Conclusion: A student internship program may be a cost-effective strategy to perform fundamental study tasks and provide innovative solutions to team challenges.   It may also address the ongoing shortage and turnover of research staff by creating a new pipeline of future professionals.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/integrated-clinical-research-intern-program-impact-upon-recruitment-of-participants-for-therapeutic-studies-aimed-at-parkinsons-disease-pd-prevention/