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This paper uses process evaluation to describe the challenges faced in recruiting and retaining general practitioners (GPs) into a smoking cessation Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) that tested "in-practice" versus "referral to the Quitline" delivery of national smoking cessation guidelines within general practice. GPs expressed interest in participating in the research either through Divisions of General Practice or through a targeted mail-out to localised networks. The project aimed to recruit and retain 60 GPs. Initially 111 GPs expressed interest in the project, with 44 GPs (40% of those expressing interest) taking part. Using localised networks provided a higher rate of interest than using Divisions of General Practice. GPs allocated to the in-practice condition were more likely to withdraw from the project (46% vs. 30%). The main reason GPs cited when withdrawing from the project was that they were "too busy to recruit". Recruiting and retaining GPs to smoking cessation research is an ongoing challenge with multiple recruitment strategies needed and considerable effort required to ensure GPs comply with the requirements of the research. Barriers to recruitment and retention are of concern and can significantly affect the implementation of large-scale research projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]