Identifying potential subjects from a clinic practice may or may not involve searching a database, but will almost always require efficient, effective review of a large number of patient charts. Whether charts are kept electronically or in paper format, this process is time consuming and usually falls on an already overextended study coordinator or research nurse.

PCRG develops tools and materials to facilitate the process of patient identification and chart evaluation. PCRG works with individual sites to identify efficiencies based on individual site dynamics and resources. Materials are highly flexible and may be adapted to a variety of organizational types. Materials include:

	Small posters that provide key study identifiers and entrance criteria (for nursing stations and charting rooms)
Prescreening checklist
Tools for flagging charts for further evaluation
	Laminated entrance-criteria pocket cards to provide quick reference (for research nurses and other support personnel)

PCRG also supports sites with direct funding for chart review activities and provides suggestions regarding how to communicate with patients about research participation.