Building a "Deep Fund of Good Will": Reframing Research Engagement.

Background: The engagement of underrepresented populations in health research has been an ongoing challenge. Yet, the participation of these groups is recognized as key to health equity.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 31 experienced investigators successful in the recruitment of underrepresented minorities were analyzed with reference to the concept of social capital to determine: 1) if it is actually in use by successful researchers although yet unidentified as such; and 2) if the rubric could shed light on new directions especially for those who find it difficult to implement community-engaged recruitment methods systematically.

Results: Findings indicate that some elements of the concept of social capital are being used successfully, but that there are also substantial barriers to its full implementation.

Conclusion: A lack of enforceable trust and associated institutional support for researchers is a detriment to research engagement. Efforts to remedy this would benefit large research projects, including clinical trials.