Clinical trials: the art of enrollment

Portable Accessible MRI in Dementia Research: Ethical Considerations About Research Representation and Dementia-Friendly Technology

The introduction of portable MRI (pMRI) has the potential to directly impact dementia research and ultimately clinical care. In this paper, we explore two ethical challenges facing the introduction of pMRI in dementia research. The first is the need to ensure that pMRI enhances rather than undermines efforts aimed at improving ethnoracial representation in dementia research. The second is the need to implement pMRI in dementia research in a dementia-friendly way that attends to the social context and lived experience of people with dementia.

Diagnosing, managing, and studying long-COVID syndromes in children and adolescents in rural and underserved populations

The COVID-19 pandemic has arguably had its greatest impact in rural and other historically hard-to-reach populations. Families in rural and underserved communities experienced COVID-19 infections at a higher rate than did their peers in other groups and experienced disproportionate morbidity and mortality. Without careful design and implementation of resources, children in these areas are also at risk of being disproportionately affected by long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infections, such as "long COVID" syndromes. Increased frequency and severity of COVID-19 infections, decreased access to health care and supporting services, environmental and social structure factors that exacerbate post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, and increased baseline frequency of health disorders that may complicate post-COVID issues, such as higher rates of obesity, asthma, diabetes, and mental health disorders, all place children and adolescents in under-resourced areas at significant risk. Unfortunately, children and adolescents in these areas have been historically under-represented in clinical research. Not only are fewer studies published with participants in rural and underserved communities, but these studies more often exhibit lower quality, with fewer randomized controlled trials and multicenter studies. This gap not only deprives people in rural and underserved areas of the country of access to cutting-edge therapy, but it also risks "evidence-based" solutions that are not generalizable because they cannot be implemented in the areas disproportionately affected by many health conditions such as long COVID. These factors significantly impede our ability to provide appropriate medical care for underserved communities. This review will discuss the impact of COVID-19 in rural and underserved communities and the factors that must be considered in designing evidence-based long-COVID solutions for children and adolescents in these areas.

Exploring Racial Disparities in Awareness and Perceptions of Oncology Clinical Trials: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Baseline Data From the mychoice Study

BACKGROUND

Black/African American adults are underrepresented in oncology clinical trials in the United States, despite efforts at narrowing this disparity.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore differences in how Black/African American oncology patients perceive clinical trials to improve support for the clinical trial participation decision-making process.

METHODS

As part of a larger randomized controlled trial, a total of 244 adult oncology patients receiving active treatment or follow-up care completed a cross-sectional baseline survey on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical trial knowledge, health literacy, perceptions of cancer clinical trials, patient activation, patient advocacy, health care self-efficacy, decisional conflict, and clinical trial intentions. Self-reported race was dichotomized into Black/African American and non-Black/African American. As appropriate, 2-tailed t tests and chi-square tests of independence were used to examine differences between groups.

RESULTS

Black/African American participants had lower clinical trial knowledge (P=.006), lower health literacy (P<.001), and more medical mistrust (all P values <.05) than non-Black/African American participants. While intentions to participate in a clinical trial, if offered, did not vary between Black/African American and non-Black/African American participants, Black/African American participants indicated lower awareness of clinical trials, fewer benefits of clinical trials, and more uncertainty around clinical trial decision-making (all P values <.05). There were no differences for other variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite no significant differences in intent to participate in a clinical trial if offered and high overall trust in individual health care providers among both groups, beliefs persist about barriers to and benefits of clinical trial participation among Black/African American patients. Findings highlight specific ways that education and resources about clinical trials could be tailored to better suit the informational and decision-making needs and preferences of Black/African American oncology patients.

Impact of an Oncology Clinical Pharmacist Intervention on Clinical Trial Enrollment in The US Oncology Network's MYLUNG Consortium

Introduction

The Molecularly Informed Lung Cancer Treatment in a Community Cancer Network: A Pragmatic Consortium™ (MYLUNG) clinical trial platform aims to advance the use of precision medicine in patients with non-small cell lung cancer through a series of prospective and iterative clinical trials. Timely patient accrual onto oncology clinical trials is a known practice challenge and impaired accrual rates can lead to premature trial closure or properly powered trial outcomes. The US Oncology Network recently implemented a clinical pharmacist (ClinReview) initiative to provide remote clinical services to screen patients for enrollment onto MYLUNG Protocol 2. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the remote clinical pharmacist intervention on study enrollment rates.

Methods

An oncology-trained clinical pharmacist remotely reviewed systemic chemotherapy treatment orders during normal workflow and, in addition, a weekly custom recruitment report within six community Network practices (149 physicians). The pharmacist identified, screened, and assisted with the communication regarding eligible patients for enrollment. The onsite research team received timely and relevant patient data to facilitate expedited enrollment. Enrollment and intervention data were tracked to monitor the impact of the pharmacist intervention. Monthly enrollment was evaluated using a paired t-test.

Results

Over 8 months, the pharmacist screened 506 potentially eligible patients; 34% were enrolled. Average monthly enrollment was significantly greater following the ClinReview intervention (3.4 vs. 6.6 patients/month; p = .02). Among the 289 patients not enrolled, 73% exceeded their eligibility window, 9% died or enrolled into hospice, 4% declined participation, and 13% transferred care or were treated at outside facilities.

Conclusions

Incorporating an oncology clinical pharmacist into the clinical research team was associated with improved clinical trial enrollment. Validation of the effect of multidisciplinary interventions across a broader spectrum of differentially resourced oncology practices will be conducted within future MYLUNG iterations.

Change in Patient Enrollment After Site Principal Investigator Turnover in Surgical Clinical Trials

This cohort study examines the association of principal investigator (PI) turnover with patient enrollment in surgical clinical trials.

Barriers and solutions to Alzheimer's disease clinical trial participation for Black Americans

Introduction

Black Americans are disproportionately burdened by Alzheimer's disease (AD) relative to other racial groups in the United States and continue to be underrepresented in AD clinical trials. This review explores the primary barriers for participation in clinical trials among Black Americans and provides literature-based recommendations to improve the inclusion of Black Americans in AD clinical trials.

Methods

We searched electronic databases and gray literature for articles published in the United States through January 1, 2023, ultimately identifying 26 key articles for inclusion.

Results

Barriers to participation in clinical trials for Black Americans are rooted in social determinants of health, including access to quality education and information, access to health care, economic stability, built environment, and community context. Best practices to improve the inclusion of Black Americans in clinical trials require pharmaceutical companies to adopt a multifaceted approach, investing in innovative strategies for site selection, development of local partnerships, outreach, and education.

Discussion

While multisectoral action must occur to effectively address the disproportionate burden of AD on Black Americans, the pharmaceutical industry has an important part to play in this space due to their central role in product development and clinical trials.

Increasing Diversity of Patients in Radiation Oncology Clinical Trials

Radiation oncology clinical trials lack full representation of the ethnic and racial diversity present in the general United States and in the cancer patient population. There are low rates of both recruitment and enrollment of individuals from underrepresented ethnic and racial backgrounds, especially Black and Hispanic patients, people with disabilities, and patients from underrepresented sexual and gender groups. Even if approached for enrollment, barriers such as mistrust in medical research stemming from historical abuse and contemporary biased systems, low socioeconomic status, and lack of awareness prohibit historically marginalized populations from participating in clinical trials. In this review, we reflect on these specific barriers and detail approaches to increase diversity of the patient population in radiation oncology clinical trials to better reflect the communities we serve. We hope that implementation of these approaches will increase the diversity of clinical trials patient populations in not only radiation oncology but also other medical specialties.

Best Practices from the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) for Clinical Research During a Pandemic or Emergency

The COVID-19 pandemic caught many areas of medicine in a state of unpreparedness for conducting research and completing ongoing projects during a global crisis, including the field of pain medicine. Waves of infection led to a disjointed ability to provide care and conduct clinical research. The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) Research Group has created guidance for pragmatic and ethical considerations for research during future emergency or disaster situations. This analysis uses governmental guidance, scientific best practices, and expert opinion to address procedure-based or device-based clinical trials during such times. Current literature offers limited recommendations on this important issue, and the findings of this group fill a void for protocols to improve patient safety and efficacy, especially as we anticipate the impact of future disasters and spreading global infectious diseases. We recommend local adaptations to best practices and innovations to enable continued research while respecting the stressors to the research subjects, investigator teams, health-care systems, and to local infrastructure.

Assessment of Patients' Willingness to Participate in a Randomized Trial of Spinal versus General Anesthesia for Lumbar Spine Surgery

BACKGROUND

Prospective nonrandomized studies have found less postoperative fatigue and improved quality of life in patients undergoing awake spine surgery under spinal anesthesia compared with general anesthesia. Randomized trials are needed to validate these findings.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively investigate patients' willingness to enroll in randomized trials of lumbar spine surgery under spinal versus general anesthesia and identify any potential barriers.

METHODS

We recruited patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery for degenerative disease. We described a randomized trial of spine surgery under spinal versus general anesthesia and assessed patients' willingness to participate in such trial. We elicited preferences for treatment along with demographics. The association between these factors and willingness to participate in the trial was examined.

RESULTS

Fifty patients completed interviews; 58% were female, mean age of 60.9 ± 12.5 years. A total of 52% patients stated that they were definitely willing to participate in the hypothetical randomized trial, and 8% probably willing. Only 16% of patients were aware of spinal anesthesia as an option for low back surgery, and 60% indicated no strong preference for the anesthesia techniques. Patients without strong preferences stated a greater willingness to participate than those with strong preferences (80% vs. 10% definitely willing, P < 0.0001). Age, sex, education, work status, and race were not significantly associated with willingness to participate.

CONCLUSION

Sixty percent of patients stated that they were either definitely or probably willing to participate in the randomized trial. Subjects lacking strong preferences for the anesthesia technique stated a greater willingness to enroll than those with strong preference.

Health Disparities in Recruitment and Enrollment in Research

Despite advances in thoracic oncology research, the benefits of new discoveries are not universally experienced. A lack of representation of racial/ethnic minorities and individuals of low socioeconomic status in clinical trials and thoracic research contributes to persistent health care disparities. It is critical that improved racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity is achieved in our trials and research, if we are to attain generalizability of findings and reduction of health care disparities. Culturally tailored and community-based approaches can help improve recruitment and enrollment of marginalized groups in thoracic research, which is an essential step toward achieving health equity and advancing medical science.

Using self-determination theory to understand and improve recruitment for the Coaching for Healthy Ageing (CHAnGE) trial

BACKGROUND

Intervention trials promoting physical activity among older people frequently report low and unrepresentative recruitment. Better understanding of reasons for participation can help improve recruitment. This study explored why participants enrolled in the Coaching for Healthy Ageing (CHAnGE) trial, including how their decision was influenced by recruitment strategies. CHAnGE was a cluster randomised controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a healthy ageing program targeting inactivity and falls. Seventy-two groups of people aged 60+ were recruited from community organisations via informal presentations by the health coaches.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary thematic analysis of interview data from our wider qualitative evaluation in which 32 purposively sampled trial participants took part in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of CHAnGE. Data relating to recruitment and participation were analysed inductively to identify themes, then a coding framework comprising the core constructs from self-determination theory-autonomy, competence and relatedness-was used to explore if and how this theory fit with and helped to explain our data.

RESULTS

Recruitment presentations promoted the CHAnGE intervention well in terms of addressing value expectations of structured support, different forms of accountability, credibility, achievability and, for some, a potential to enhance social relationships. Participation was motivated by the desire for improved health and decelerated ageing, altruism and curiosity. These factors related strongly to self-determination concepts of autonomy, competence and relatedness, but the intervention's demonstrated potential to support self-determination needs could be conveyed more effectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that recruitment could have greater reach using: 1. Strengths-based messaging focusing on holistic gains, 2. Participant stories that highlight positive experiences, and 3. Peer support and information sharing to leverage altruism and curiosity. These theory-informed improvements will be used to increase participation in future trials, including people in hard-to-recruit groups. They may also inform other physical activity trials and community programs.

Design and strategies used for recruitment and retention in a double blind randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of soluble corn fiber on bone indices in pre-adolescent children (PREBONE-Kids study) in Malaysia

Background

Recruitment and retention in longitudinal nutrition intervention studies among children is challenging and scarcely reported. This paper describes the strategies and lessons learned from a 1-year randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial among pre-adolescent children on the effects of soluble corn fiber (SCF) on bone indices (PREBONE-Kids).

Methods

Participants (9–11 years old) were recruited and randomized into 4 treatment groups (600 mg calcium, 12 g SCF, 12 g SCF plus 600 mg calcium and placebo). Interventions were consumed as a fruit-flavored powdered drink for 1-year. School-based recruitment was effective due to support on study benefits from parents and teachers, peer influence and a 2-weeks study run-in for participants to assess their readiness to commit to the study protocol. Retention strategies focused on building rapport through school-based fun activities, WhatsApp messaging, providing health screening and travel reimbursements for study measurements. Compliance was enhanced by providing direct on-site school feeding and monthly non-cash rewards. Choice of 2 flavors for the intervention drinks were provided to overcome taste fatigue. Satisfaction level on the manner in which the study was conducted was obtained from a voluntary sub-set of participants.

Results

The study successfully enrolled 243 participants within 6 months and retained 82.7% of the participants at the end of 1 year, yielding a drop-out rate of 17.3%. Compliance to the intervention drink was 85% at the start and remained at 78.7% at the end of 1 year. More than 95% of the participants provided good feedback on intervention drinks, rapport building activities, communication and overall study conduct.

Conclusion

Successful strategies focused on study benefits, rapport building, frequent communication using social media and non-cash incentives helped improved compliance and retention rate. The lessons learned to maintain a high retention and compliance rate in this study provide valuable insights for future studies in a similar population.

•

PREBONE-Kids contributes to evidence on the effect of soluble corn fiber on bone indices in pre-adolescent Asian children.

•

School-based recruitment, study nature, perceived benefits and study run-in were effective strategies for recruitment.

•

Rapport building, direct on-site feeding and rewarding protocol adherence were critical for good retention and compliance.

Does study subject diversity influence cardiology research site performance?: Insights from 2 U.S. National Coronary Stent Registries

BACKGROUND

Minorities and women are underrepresented in cardiovascular research. Whether their higher enrollment can be predicted or influences research site performance is unclear.

METHODS

We evaluated 104 sites that enrolled 4,184 patients in the U.S. Platinum Diversity (PD) and Promus Element Plus (PE Plus) studies (2012 to 2016). Research sites were ranked from lowest to highest minority and female enrollment, respectively. United States Census Bureau division and core-based statistical area (CBSA) populations were determined for each site and the following study performance metrics compared across quartiles of minority and female enrollment, respectively: (1) study subject enrollment rate (SER), (2) time to first patient enrolled, (3) rate of follow-up visits not done, (4) rate of follow-up visits out of window, and (5) protocol deviation rate (PDR). Multivariable regression was used to predict SER and PDR.

RESULTS

Minority enrollment varied by region (P = .025) and population (P = .024) with highest recruitment noted in the Pacific, West South Central, South Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic and East North Central divisions. Female enrollment bore no relationship to region (P = .67) or population (P = .40). Median SER was similar in sites withi the highest vs lowest quartile of minority enrollment (SER of 4 vs 5 patients per month, respectively, P =0.78) and highest vs. lowest female enrollment (SER of 4 vs 4, respectively, P = .21). Median PDR was lower in sites within the highest vs lowest minority enrollment (0.23 vs 0.50 PDs per patient per month, respectively, P = .01) and highest vs. lowest female enrollment (0.28 vs. 0.37 PDs per patient per month, respectively, P = .04). However, this relationship did not persist after multivariable adjustment. All other site performance metrics were comparable across quartiles of minority and female enrollment.

CONCLUSIONS

Minority, but not female enrollment, correlated with research site geographic region and surrounding population. High enrollment of minorities and women did not influence study performance metrics. These findings help inform future strategies aimed at increasing clinical trial diversity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The PD and PE Plus studies are registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov under identifiers NCT02240810 and NCT01589978, respectively.

KEY POINTS

Question: Does the enrollment of more Blacks, Hispanics and women in US cardiovascular research studies influence the overall rate of study subject enrollment and/or other key study site performance metrics and can diverse enrollment be predicted?

FINDINGS

In this pooled analysis of 104 sites that enrolled 4,184 patients in the Platinum Diversity and Promus Element Plus Post-Approval Studies, we found that the enrollment of higher proportions of underrepresented minorities and women was univariately associated with lower protocol deviation rates while having no effect on other site performance metrics. A site's geographic location and surrounding population predicted minority, but not female enrollment. Meaning: These findings suggest that cardiovascular research subject diversity may be predicted from site characteristics and enhanced without compromising key study performance metrics. These insights help inform future strategies aimed at improving clinical trial diversity.

Sociodemographic diversity in cancer clinical trials: New findings on the effect of race and ethnicity

BACKGROUND

Cancer clinical trials (CCT) offer significant potential benefit, not only for future patients but also for enrolled participants, yet a very small minority of cancer patients participate, resulting in low levels of enrollment that have stalled clinical trials dramatically. Though many have endeavored to study this phenomenon, relatively little research has explored the demographic factors which may affect CCT enrollment. Understanding patient demographics is critical to optimizing enrollment, evaluating generalizability, and ensuring equity of CCT.

METHODS

To better understand the effect of social determinants of health on CCT enrollment, the authors constructed a multivariable logistic regression model to analyze data collected in the last ten years in the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Survey, an annual national survey conducted among the non-institutionalized adult population of the U.S.

RESULTS

In multivariable regression analysis, enrollment varied significantly with sociodemographic factors. Individuals of higher income, Hispanic ethnicity, and younger age were most likely to participate in CCTs. Enrollment did not vary significantly by educational attainment.

CONCLUSION

Our multivariable analysis indicated people of color are more likely to participate in CCT, perhaps demonstrating that structural barriers shape participation more than race alone. Efforts to improve CCT enrollment may benefit from a shift in focus towards access to care by alleviating structural and financial barriers to enrollment.

Virtual oncology clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in radical changes in the delivery of healthcare worldwide. Our oncology service (at an Irish national cancer centre) rapidly transitioned to the use of telemedicine or virtual clinics (VC) to minimise potential risk of exposure to COVID-19 amongst an immunosuppressed, high-risk population. Our study aimed to evaluate the use of VC in this setting.

Methods

An 18-point questionnaire was designed to investigate the patient experience of VC during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland and compliance with guidelines developed in Ireland to conduct VC and the role of VC in the future. Questionnaires were distributed following the receipt of verbal consent from patients during the VC. Descriptive statistics were utilised for data analysis using SPSS®.

Results

One hundred and four patients returned completed surveys (n = 104/164, 63% response rate). Overall satisfaction levels were high with most patients (n = 58/100, 58%; no answer provided (NAP), n = 4) equally satisfied or nearly equally satisfied with VC in comparison to a usual clinic encounter. The majority of patients felt that there should be a role for VC in the future (n = 84/102, 82%; NAP, n = 2). The majority of patients (n = 61/99, 61%; NAP, n = 5) were very relieved to avoid a hospital visit due to perceived risk of potential exposure to COVID-19.

Conclusion

The majority of oncology patients were satisfied with a VC encounter. VC may have a role in the future of medical care in Ireland post the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessing emotional and social health using photographs: An innovative research method for rural studies and its applicability in a care-farming program for youth

A framework for assessing photographs for the emotional and social health of young people (SHAPE) is described and tested, within the context of a rural program. Two independent raters assessed the photographs of participants. To assess inter-rater reliability, Cohen' K and Kendall's W were calculated. The two reviewers' assessments of photographs were in agreement. The assessment of emotional/behavioural display showed 82% agreement. Agreement between reviewers' judgements of proxemics (W = .866), interaction (W = .722), engagement (W = .932) and overall impression (W = .804) were all significant (p < .005). The method yielded results indicating that participants found gardening immediately engaging but their approach to equines exhibited a change from fascination to confidence during the program. The visual-diary method is a useful and sensitive method for research: where resources are limited; to complement traditional measures; for use with people who lack appropriate verbal communication or literacy skills to complete questionnaires; young children; other underrepresented groups.

Interest in Research Participation Among Caregivers of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

The goal of this study was to examine caregiver agreement to hear about local research opportunities by joining a clinical research registry. Data from this cross-sectional study were gathered, between 2014 and 2017, across two outpatient clinics: (1) a multidisciplinary Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) clinic (N = 5228) and (2) a general psychology clinic serving youth with, or at risk for, a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD; N = 5040). Overall, more than 8 in 10 caregivers agreed to join the registry. Several child clinical characteristics, as well as racial and sociodemographic factors, were predictive of parental agreement. Findings suggest caregivers of youth with ASD and NDD are amenable to joining the local research enterprise, however further work is needed to understand why some caregivers decline.

Improving Patient Participation in Cancer Clinical Trials: A Qualitative Analysis of HSRProj & RePORTER

Enrollment and representativeness, in cancer trials, have been a problem resulting in studies with poor generalizability to the real-world population. This study uses qualitative analysis of two publicly available datasets (HSRProj and RePORTER) to explore funded research projects, which employ strategies at the macro, meso, and micro levels. Our research shows that although the number of projects designed to increase participation in cancer clinical trials peaked in the 2000s, most employ a single level strategy.

A pilot feasibility randomised clinical trial comparing dialkylcarbamoylchloride-coated dressings versus standard care for the primary prevention of surgical site infection

A surgical site infection (SSI) may occur in up to 30% of procedures and results in significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining the use of dialkylcarbamoylchloride (DACC)-impregnated dressings, which bind bacteria at the wound bed, in the prevention of SSI in primarily closed incisional wounds. This pilot RCT recruited patients undergoing clean or clean-contaminated vascular surgery. Participants were randomised intraoperatively on a 1:1 basis to either a DACC-coated dressing or a control dressing. Outcomes were divided into feasibility and clinical outcomes. The primary clinical outcome was SSI at 30 days (assessed using Centers for Disease Control criteria and Additional treatment, Serous discharge, Erythema, Purulent exudate, Separation of the deep tissues, Isolation of bacteria and duration of inpatient Stay scoring methods). This study recruited 144 patients in 12 months at a median rate of 10 per month. Eligibility was 73% and recruitment 60%. At 30 days, there was a 36.9% relative risk reduction in the DACC-coated arm (16.22% versus 25.71%, odds ratio 0.559, P = 0.161). The number needed to treat was 11 patients. A large-scale RCT is both achievable and desirable given the relative risk reduction shown in this study. Further work is needed to improve the study protocol and involve more centres in a full-scale RCT.

Facilitators and barriers to successful recruitment into a large comparative effectiveness trial: a qualitative study

Background: Recruitment of participants into research studies, especially individuals from minority groups, is challenging; lack of diversity may lead to biased findings. Aim: To explore beliefs about research participation among individuals who were approached and eligible for the GRADE study. Methods: In-depth qualitative telephone interviews with randomized participants (n = 25) and eligible individuals who declined to enroll (n = 26). Results: Refusers and consenters differed in trust and perceptions of risk, benefits and burden of participation. Few participants understood how comparative effectiveness research differed from other types of trials; however, some features of comparative effectiveness research were perceived as lower risk. Conclusion: We identified facilitators and addressable barriers to participation in research studies.

Strategies for recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for a clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Recruitment and retention are two significant barriers in research, particularly for historically underrepresented groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, patients who are low-income, or people with substance use or mental health issues. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death and disproportionately affects many underrepresented groups. The lack of representation of these groups in research limits the generalizability and applicability of clinical research and results. In this paper we describe our experience and rates of recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups for the Aides in Respiration (AIR) COPD Health Coaching Study.

METHODS

A priori design strategies included minimizing exclusion criteria, including patients in the study process, establishing partnerships with the community clinics, and ensuring that the health coaching intervention was flexible enough to accommodate patient needs.

RESULTS

Challenges to recruitment included lack of spirometric data in patient records, space constraints at the clinic sites, barriers to patient access to clinic sites, lack of current patient contact information and poor patient health. Of 282 patients identified as eligible, 192 (68%) were enrolled in the study and 158 (82%) completed the study. Race, gender, educational attainment, severity of disease, health literacy, and clinic site were not associated with recruitment or retention. However, older patients were less likely to enroll in the study and patients who used home oxygen or had more than one hospitalization during the study period were less likely to complete the study. Three key strategies to maximize recruitment and retention were identified during the study: incorporating the patient perspective, partnering with the community clinics, and building patient rapport.

CONCLUSIONS

While the AIR study included design features to maximize the recruitment and retention of patients from underrepresented groups, additional challenges were encountered and responded to during the study. We also identified three key strategies recommended for future studies of COPD and similar conditions. Incorporating the approaches described into future studies may increase participation rates from underrepresented groups, providing results that can be more accurately applied to patients who carry a disparate burden of disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov at identifier NCT02234284 on August 12, 2014. Descriptor number: 2.9 Racial, ethnic, or social disparities in lung disease and treatment.

Using Social Networking Sites in Research: An Emerging Approach to Engaging With Young People Who Have a Parent With a Mental Illness and/or Substance Abuse Disorder

The challenges involved in engaging young people who have a parent with a mental illness in research and in programs are well documented. Social networking sites provide a potentially useful medium to include at-risk youths and their families by removing some accessibility barriers that may prevent engagement and connection with individuals whose parents or family members have a mental illness. This paper examines how social networking sites can be used to recruit youths and/or their families and engage them in research. Applying a case study analysis, the implications of using social media as a tool for recruitment and data collection and the ethical considerations and limitations will be discussed. Results tentatively indicate that social networking sites may be an effective method to engage young people of parents with a mental illness. The study argues for more informed use of social platforms for the translation and dissemination of research and intervention prevention. Overall, this paper will contribute to public mental health practice through guidelines and policy about social media research with at-risk young people and their families.

Telemedicine in Cancer Care

Telemedicine uses telecommunications technology as a tool to deliver health care to populations with limited access to care. Telemedicine has been tested in multiple clinical settings, demonstrating at least equivalency to in-person care and high levels of patient and health professional satisfaction. Teleoncology has been demonstrated to improve access to care and decrease health care costs. Teleconsultations may take place in a synchronous, asynchronous, or blended format. Examples of successful teleoncology applications include cancer telegenetics, bundling of cancer-related teleapplications, remote chemotherapy supervision, symptom management, survivorship care, palliative care, and approaches to increase access to cancer clinical trials. Telepathology is critical to cancer care and may be accomplished synchronously and asynchronously for both cytology and tissue diagnoses. Mobile applications support symptom management, lifestyle modification, and medication adherence as a tool for home-based care. Telemedicine can support the oncologist with access to interactive tele-education. Teleoncology practice should maintain in-person professional standards, including documentation integrated into the patient's electronic health record. Telemedicine training is essential to facilitate rapport, maximize engagement, and conduct an accurate virtual exam. With the appropriate attachments, the only limitation to the virtual exam is palpation. The national telehealth resource centers can provide interested clinicians with the latest information on telemedicine reimbursement, parity, and practice. To experience the gains of teleoncology, appropriate training, education, as well as paying close attention to gaps, such as those inherent in the digital divide, are essential.

The institutional development award states pediatric clinical trials network: building research capacity among the rural and medically underserved

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The institutional development award (IDeA) program was created to increase the competitiveness of investigators in states with historically low success rates for National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding applications. IDeA states have high numbers of rural and medically underserved residents with disproportionately high rates of infant mortality, obesity, and poverty. This program supports the development and expansion of research infrastructure and research activities in these states. The IDeA States Pediatric Clinical Trials Network (ISPCTN) is part of the environmental influences on child health outcomes program. Its purpose is to build research capacity within IDeA states and provide opportunities for children in IDeA states to participate in clinical trials. This review describes the current and future activities of the network.

RECENT FINDINGS

In its initial year, the ISPCTN created an online series on clinical trials, initiated participation in a study conducted by the pediatric trials network, and proposed two novel clinical trials for obese children. Capacity building and clinical trial implementation will continue in future years.

SUMMARY

The ISPCTN is uniquely poised to establish and support new pediatric clinical research programs in underserved populations, producing both short and long-term gains in the understanding of child health.

Strategies to Maximize Patient Participation in Clinical Trials

Despite considerable interest and success in oncology drug development, the minority of patients with cancer diagnoses enroll in clinical trials. Multiple obstacles account for this low enrollment rate. An improvement in patient participation in clinical trials could increase patient access to novel and potentially promising agents, provide faster trial results, and, with implementation of rational eligibility criteria, allow for a better understanding of the drug's safety and efficacy in a heterogeneous population. We present barriers and potential solutions to maximize patient participation, including a review of the ASCO and Friends of Cancer Research (FoCR) Modernizing Eligibility Criteria Project, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory considerations, an industry perspective, and a patient perspective.

Eliminating Racial/Ethnic Disparities in AIDS Clinical Trials in the United States: A Qualitative Exploration of an Efficacious Social/Behavioral Intervention

BACKGROUND

African American/Black and Hispanic persons living with HIV (AABH-PLWH) are under-represented in AIDS clinical trials (ACTs) in the United States. Barriers AABH-PLWH experience to ACTs are multi-faceted, including distrust of medical research, low levels of knowledge, unsupportive social norms, lack of referral, and challenges navigating ACT systems. In past research we found a multi-component peer-driven intervention was efficacious in boosting rates of screening for/enrollment into ACTs. The present qualitative study seeks to understand AABH-PLWH's perspectives on which specific intervention features or components had utility. Interventions features explored included structural elements (e.g., small group sessions, individual sessions on the ACT research unit); approaches (e.g., Motivational Interviewing); and specific components (e.g., small-group discussion of historical and cultural factors reducing participation among AABH-PLWH).

METHODS

A total of 37 AABH-PLWH (mean age 50.6 years, SD=7.5 years; 48.6% female; 62.2% African American/Black, 27.0% Hispanic) were purposively selected from a larger study for in-depth interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using systematic content analysis.

RESULTS

We found the intervention improved knowledge and positive attitudes toward ACTs, and triggered social-level facilitators such as altruism and more positive social norms. Discussions of cultural/historical barriers to ACTs associated with race/ethnicity had utility. Holding a session on the ACT research unit reduced fear and increased motivation. Results highlighted the value of Motivational Interviewing, and several components were perceived as less useful (e.g., involving social network members in ACT decisions).

CONCLUSION

Findings can inform future intervention designs to address racial/ethnic disparities in ACTs and have implications for trials of other conditions where racial/ethnic disparities persist.

Patient Navigation As a Model to Increase Participation of African Americans in Cancer Clinical Trials

PURPOSE

Less than 10% of patients enrolled in clinical trials are minorities. The patient navigation model has been used to improve access to medical care but has not been evaluated as a tool to increase the participation of minorities in clinical trials. The Increasing Minority Participation in Clinical Trials project used patient navigators (PNs) to enhance the recruitment of African Americans for and their retention in therapeutic cancer clinical trials in a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center.

METHODS

Lay individuals were hired and trained to serve as PNs for clinical trials. African American patients potentially eligible for clinical trials were identified through chart review or referrals by clinic nurses, physicians, and social workers. PNs provided two levels of services: education about clinical trials and tailored support for patients who enrolled in clinical trials.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2014, 424 African American patients with cancer were referred to the Increasing Minority Participation in Clinical Trials project. Of those eligible for a clinical trial (N = 378), 304 (80.4%) enrolled in a trial and 272 (72%) consented to receive patient navigation support. Of those receiving patient navigation support, 74.5% completed the trial, compared with 37.5% of those not receiving patient navigation support. The difference in retention rates between the two groups was statistically significant (P < .001). Participation of African Americans in therapeutic cancer clinical trials increased from 9% to 16%.

CONCLUSION

Patient navigation for clinical trials successfully retained African Americans in therapeutic trials compared with non-patient navigation trial participation. The model holds promise as a strategy to reduce disparities in cancer clinical trial participation. Future studies should evaluate it with racial/ethnic minorities across cancer centers.

Merging technology and clinical research for optimized post-surgical rehabilitation of lung cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The 21(st) century has ushered in an age of wireless communication and technological breakthroughs providing researchers with opportunities and challenges as they incorporate this technology into their research. This paper presents the challenges our team encountered introducing new technologies and how they were overcome for an intervention for post-thoracotomy non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

METHODS

Our intervention incorporated the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus virtual-reality walking and balance exercise into a home-based rehabilitation program. The intervention is novel and innovative in that the intervention provides light-intensity exercise post-thoracotomy for NSCLC patients immediately after return to home from the hospital. The intervention overcomes the barriers of conventional exercise programs that require travel, conventional exercise equipment, and begin months after surgery.

RESULTS

When translating new technology to research, researchers need to consider a number of factors that need to be addressed. Institutional Review Boards may need further explanation as to why the technology is safe, potential participants may need to have unfounded concerns explained before enrolling, and the research team needs a plan for introducing the technology to participants with a vast range of skill sets and environments in which they will be using technology. In our study, we addressed each of these factors using varying approaches as we translated how the Wii would be used in a home-based exercise intervention by a highly vulnerable, post-thoracotomy NSCLC population.

CONCLUSIONS

While technology brings with it multiple barriers for successful implementation, our team showed that with proper planning and teamwork, researchers can navigate these issues bringing the full benefit of technology to even the most vulnerable of patient populations.

Using perceptual mapping methods to understand gender differences in perceived barriers and benefits of clinical research participation in urban minority HIV+ patients

Minority participation in HIV clinical trials research is critical to understanding the impact of medications or behavioral interventions, but little is known about gender differences in perceptions of participation. We surveyed 50 minority HIV+ patients from an urban clinic to assess perceived risks/benefits of clinical trial research participation and used innovative marketing methods to analyze results. Perceptual mapping and vector message-modeling, a method that creates 3-D models representing how groups conceptualize elements, were used to assess how male and female participants could be motivated to participate. Results showed men farther away from participation and more concerned with HIV disclosure and experimentation than women. Men expressed distrust of the medical system, doubted HIV's origin, and knew less about research implementation. Women were closer to participation in both behavior and medical trials and perceived medication issues as more significant, including fear of losing medication stability, medications not working, being in the placebo group, and experiencing side effects. Vector modeling shows that messages would need to focus on different aspects of clinical research for men and women and that interventions aimed at minority HIV+ patients to encourage clinical trial participation would need to be targeted to their unique perceptions. Understanding gender perceptions of HIV clinical research has significant implications for targeting messages to increase minority participation.

A Conceptual Framework for Barriers to the Recruitment and Retention of Rural CVD Participants in Behavior Intervention Trials

BACKGROUND

Rural residents diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or with CVD-related risks are underrepresented in behavioral intervention trials based on an extensive review of published studies. The low participation rate of rural residents weakens both the internal and external validity of published studies. Moreover, compared to urban residents, limited research exists to describe the unique barriers that limit the participation of rural residents in behavioral intervention trials.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to identify a conceptual framework (CF) underpinning common barriers faced by rural CVD patients to enroll in behavioral intervention trials.

METHODS

We conducted a literature review using several electronic databases to obtain a representative sample of research articles, synthesized the evidence, and developed a CF to explain the barriers that may affect the research participation rate of rural residents with CVD or related risks.

RESULTS

We found our evidence-based CF well explained the barriers for rural CVD patients to take part in behavioral intervention trials. Besides contextual factors (i.e. patient, community and research levels), other common factors impacting rural patients' intent to enroll are lack of awareness and understanding about behavioral trials, limited support from their healthcare providers and social circles, unfavorable attitudes, and the lack of opportunity to participating research.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION OF RESULT

The findings demonstrate the evidence-based model consisting of interlinked multi-level factors may help our understanding of the barriers encountered by rural CVD patients participating interventions to promote behavioral change. The implication for researchers is that identifying and developing strategies to overcome the barriers precedes conducting studies in rural communities.

Clinical trial awareness: Changes over time and sociodemographic disparities

BACKGROUND OR AIMS

Lack of clinical trial awareness is a known obstacle to clinical trial enrollment. We sought to define the prevalence of clinical trial awareness in the US population, determine characteristics associated with increased trial awareness, and explore potential disparities in trial awareness.

METHODS

We utilized data from the Health Information National Trends Survey from 2008 and 2012. Logistic regression was utilized to assess predictors of clinical trial awareness, particularly sociodemographic variables and information-seeking preferences. Trial awareness and information-seeking preferences were compared in patient subgroups and between the two time periods.

RESULTS

Clinical trial awareness increased from 68% to 74% between 2008 and 2012. In the 2012 dataset, higher education level (odds ratio: 3.52, 95% confidence interval: 2.16-5.74), higher yearly income category (odds ratio: 1.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.17-2.89), and Internet use (odds ratio: 2.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.52-3.00) were significantly associated with clinical trial awareness. Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio: 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.25-0.68) was significantly associated with decreased awareness. Clinical trial awareness increased in African-American/Blacks (Δ10.6%) and Hispanics (Δ10.7%) between 2008 and 2012, as did Internet use in both subgroups (Δ14.2%, Δ18.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Overall clinical trial awareness has increased between 2008 and 2012, although a large subset of the population still lacks general awareness of clinical trials. Racial and ethnic disparities in trial awareness exist, although disparities may be decreasing among the Black population. These findings may help target educational efforts and inform approaches to increasing trial awareness.

Factors affecting recruitment into depression trials: Systematic review, meta-synthesis and conceptual framework

BACKGROUND

Depression is common and clinical trials are crucial for evaluating treatments. Difficulties in recruiting participants into depression trials are well-documented, yet no study has examined the factors affecting recruitment. This review aims to identify the factors affecting recruitment into depression trials and to develop a conceptual framework through systematic assessment of published qualitative research.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-synthesis of published qualitative studies. Meta-synthesis involves a synthesis of themes across a number of qualitative studies to produce findings that are "greater than the sum of the parts". ASSIA, CINAHL, Embase, Medline and PsychInfo were searched up to April 2013. Reference lists of included studies, key publications and relevant reviews were also searched. Quality appraisal adopted the "prompts for appraising qualitative research".

RESULTS

7977 citations were identified, and 15 studies were included. Findings indicate that the decision to enter a depression trial is made by patients and gatekeepers based on the patient׳s health state at the time of being approached to participate; on their attitude towards the research and trial interventions; and on the extent to which patients become engaged with the trial. Our conceptual framework highlights that the decision to participate by both the patient and the gatekeeper involves a judgement between risk and reward.

LIMITATIONS

Only English language publications were included in this review.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this review have implications for the design of interventions to improve recruitment into depression trials. Such interventions may aim to diminish the perceived risks and increase the perceived rewards of participation.

Motivators and barriers to Latinas' participation in clinical trials: the role of contextual factors

OBJECTIVE

Latinas are underrepresented in clinical trials despite the rise in Hispanic population. This study examines the factors associated with Latinas' willingness to participate in preventive breast cancer randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Women self-identifying as Latina, over age 40, with no prior history of breast cancer were eligible. Using the Behavior Model for Vulnerable Populations, we administered a survey (n=168) to assess predisposing (e.g., knowledge), enabling (e.g., trust) and need factors (e.g., risk perception). Intention to participate was defined using a lenient (maybe, probably or definitely) and a stringent criterion (probably and definitely). Chi-square tests and logistic regression models examined the associations of predisposing, enabling, and need factors with women's intentions to participate in RCTs.

RESULTS

Most participants (74.9%) were monolingual Spanish-speaking immigrants. Most (83.9%) reported willing to participate in clinical trials using the lenient definition (vs. 43.1% under the stringent definition). Using the lenient definition, the odds of willing to participate in RCTs were significantly lower for unmarried women (OR=.25, 95% CI=.08-.79) and those with lower cancer risk perceptions (OR=.20, 95% CI=.06-.63), while being significantly higher for women with lower language acculturation (OR=6.2, 95% CI=1.8-20.9). Using the stringent definition, women who did not endorse a motivation to enroll to help family members (if they had cancer) had significantly lower odds to report intent (OR=.33, 95% CI=.13-.86).

CONCLUSION

Many RCTs may have limited generalizability due to the low representation of minorities. Culturally targeted interventions that address the importance of family for Latinos may ultimately increase their participation in RCTs.

Strategies addressing barriers to clinical trial enrollment of underrepresented populations: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials remains a reality while they have disproportionately higher rates of health disparities.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify successful community-engaged interventions that included health care providers as a key strategy in addressing barriers to clinical trial enrollment of underrepresented patients.

DESIGN

A systematic review of the literature on interventions addressing enrollment barriers to clinical trials for racial and ethnic minorities was performed in Ovid MEDLINE, EBSCO Megafile, and EBSCO CINAHL. The systematic review identified 360 studies, and 20 were selected using the inclusion criteria. An iterative process extracted information from the eligible studies.

RESULTS

The 20 selected studies were analyzed and then grouped by first author, nature of the clinical research initiative, priority populations, key strategies, and study outcomes. Nine of the studies addressed cancer clinical trials and 11 related to chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension management, and chronic kidney disease. The key strategies employed were categorized according to their presumed impact on barriers incurred at distinct steps in study recruitment: clinical trial awareness, opportunity to participate, and acceptance of enrollment. The strategies were further categorized by whether they would address barriers associated with minority perceptions of the research process and barriers related to how studies were designed and implemented.

CONCLUSION

Multiple and flexible strategies targeting providers and participants at provider sites and within communities might be needed to enroll underrepresented populations into clinical trials.

[Organising an investigation site: a national training reference document]

OBJECTIVE

Several surveys have shown a declining performance of French investigators in conducting clinical trials. This is partly due to insufficient and heterogeneous investigator training and site organisation. A multidisciplinary group was set up to propose solutions. We describe the tools developed to improve study site organisation.

RESULTS

This working group was made up of clinical research experts from academia, industry, drug regulatory authorities, general practice, and consulting. Methods and tools were developed to improve site organisation.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed tools mainly focus on increasing investigators' awareness of their responsibilities, their research environment, the importance of a thorough feasibility analysis, and the implementation of active patient recruitment strategies. These tools should be able to improve site organisation and performances in conducting clinical trials.

Adherence and retention in clinical trials: a community-based approach

BACKGROUND

The Community Health Advisor (CHA) model has been widely used to recruit rural and low-income, mostly African American women into clinical and behavioral research studies. However, little is known about its effectiveness in promoting retention and adherence of such women in clinical trials.

METHODS

The Community-Based Retention Intervention Study evaluated the effectiveness of a community-based intervention strategy using the CHA model and the empowerment theory to improve the retention and adherence of minority and low-income women in clinical trials. The research strategy included the training and use of the volunteer CHAs as research partners. The target population included women participating in the University of Alabama at Birmingham clinical site of the Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance-Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (ASCUS-LSIL) Triage Study (ALTS), a multicenter, randomized clinical trial. Two communities in Jefferson County, Alabama, that were matched according to population demographics were identified and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Thirty community volunteers were recruited to be CHAs and to implement the intervention with the ALTS trial participants. In total, 632 ALTS participants agreed to participate in the project, including 359 in the intervention group, which received CHA care, and 273 in the control group, which received standard care.

RESULTS

Adherence rates for scheduled clinic visits were significantly higher in the intervention group (80%) compared with the control group (65%; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that volunteer CHAs can be trained to serve as research partners and can be effective in improving the retention and adherence of minority and low-income women in clinical trials.

A model for bidirectional community-academic engagement (CAE): overview of partnered research, capacity enhancement, systems transformation, and public trust in research

The University of Maryland's Office of Policy and Planning in collaboration with urban and rural community partners, planned and implemented a model for community-academic engagement (CAE) in partnered research and programs. The model addressed health disparities, cancer and tobacco-related diseases, and public trust in research. Environments have flourished that resulted in bidirectional community-academic interactions, and led to transformation of the academic environment and community capacity to identify and address health issues. This collaborative model produced: •    enhanced public trust in research; and •    enhanced community and Academic Health Center (AHC) capacity to address community health needs as partners. A unique feature of this model is AHC's shared grant funding with community partners serving diverse and medically underserved communities for predetermined roles in research, policy and educational programs. Over $18 million in grant funding was provided to community organizations. This paper presents an overview of this model as a case study.

Development and impact of an intervention to boost recruitment in a multicenter pediatric randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Our primary objective was to develop and evaluate an intervention to increase recruitment in a multicenter pediatric randomized clinical trial (RCT). Our secondary objective was to assess the impact beyond 120 days.

METHODS

The study was conducted at 17 academic centers participating in a pediatric RCT. The intervention consisted of utilizing a recruitment assessment tool at a site visit or teleconference with key site personnel.

RESULTS

We found a significant increase in the number of individuals enrolled for all 17 sites at 120 days postintervention (mean = 1.12 per site; median = 1 per site; 95% confidence interval = 1-2; P = .04). No significant differences were apparent beyond the first 120 days postintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful recruitment in RCTs is essential to the quality, generalizability, and cost-effectiveness of clinical research. Implementation of this recruitment intervention may effectively increase recruitment in RCTs. Beyond the first 120 days postintervention, repeated interventions may be required. What is new? Despite general and pediatric-specific challenges to recruitment in RCTs, a paucity of evidence exists on effective recruitment strategies or assessment tools to reliably enhance recruitment. We developed a recruitment intervention for use in RCTs that enables clinical researchers to enhance recruitment.

Factors affecting recruitment and participation of bereaved parents and siblings in grief research

This study examined participation factors in a study of families (N = 84) within 1 year of a child's cancer-related death. Specific aims were to examine associations between: (a) recruitment variables (number of phone calls made to eligible families, number of calls answered by eligible families) and participation rates (study agreement and refusal) and (b) characteristics of deceased children (gender, age, length of illness, time since death) and participation rates. Characteristics of deceased children did not differ between participating and non-participating families. Researchers made significantly fewer calls to participating versus refusing families. Participating families most often agreed during the first successful call connection, and more calls did not mean more recruitment success. Thus, it is reasonable to limit the number of calls made to bereaved families. Despite recruitment challenges, many bereaved parents and siblings are willing and interested to participate in grief research.

Clinical trial recruitment--a complex intervention?

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To discuss the evidence of poor recruitment rates in randomised clinical trials and relate this to existing recruitment methodology before a novel approach to recruitment is suggested.

BACKGROUND

Recruitment is crucial to the success of research projects. Effective recruitment leads to effective retention, an increased pool of data and in-time completion of projects. Robust evidence indicates that recruitment remains a challenge in many clinical trials.

DESIGN

Discursive article.

METHODS

The complexity of recruitment is mandated based on the findings from a literature review that summarises common threats to successful recruitment. Nursing theories and models that incorporate recruitment are critically reviewed before recruiting, and its planning is related to existing complex intervention methodology.

CONCLUSION

Threats to sufficient recruitment are inherent in the planning of studies, the recruiting process and triadic relationships between institutions, recruiter and participants. Existing nursing theories and models address important recruitment issues but do not account for all aspects that jeopardise sufficient recruitment. Hence, available frameworks for complex intervention planning and evaluation are useful to guide recruitment and its planning as an umbrella methodology.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Using complex intervention methodology for recruitment and its planning enhances a nurse researcher's awareness of the challenges and pitfalls recruitment poses and may translate to improved recruitment rates and overall success of clinical trials.

Using information technology and social networking for recruitment of research participants: experience from an exploratory study of pediatric Klinefelter syndrome

Background

Recruiting pediatric samples for research may be challenging due to parental mistrust of the research process, privacy concerns, and family time constraints. Recruitment of children with chronic and genetic conditions may further complicate the enrollment process.

Objective

In this paper, we describe the methodological challenges of recruiting children for research and provide an exemplar of how the use of information technology (IT) strategies with social networking may improve access to difficult-to-reach pediatric research participants.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of boys between the ages of 8 and 18 years with Klinefelter syndrome. This study presented unique challenges for recruitment of pediatric participants. These challenges are illustrated by the report of recruitment activities developed for the study. We reviewed the literature to explore the issues of recruiting children for research using conventional and IT approaches. Success rates of conventional recruitment approaches, such as brochures, flyers in medical offices, and physician referrals, are compared with IT-based outreach. The IT approaches included teleconferencing via a Klinefelter syndrome support group, services of a Web-based commercial recruitment-matching company, and the development of a university-affiliated research recruitment website with the use of paid advertising on a social networking website (Facebook).

Results

Over a 3-month period, dissemination of over 150 recruitment brochures and flyers placed in a large urban hospital and hospital-affiliated clinical offices, with 850 letters to physicians and patients were not successful. Within the same period, face-to-face recruitment in the clinical setting yielded 4 (9%) participants. Using Web-based and social networking approaches, 39 (91%) agreed to participate in the study. With these approaches, 5 (12%) were recruited from the national Klinefelter syndrome advocacy group, 8 (19%) from local and teleconference support groups, 10 (23%) from a Web-based research recruitment program, and 16 (37%) from the university-affiliated recruitment website. For the initial 6 months, the university website was viewed approximately 2 to 3 times per day on average. An advertisement placed on a social networking site for 1 week increased website viewing to approximately 63 visits per day. Out of 112 families approached using all of these methods, 43 (38%) agreed to participate. Families who declined cited either travel distance to the study site (15, 22%) or unwillingness to disclose the Klinefelter syndrome diagnosis to their sons (54, 78%) as the reasons for nonparticipation.

Conclusions

Use of Web-based technologies enhances the recruitment of difficult-to-reach populations. Of the many approaches employed in this study, the university-affiliated recruitment website supported by a Facebook advertisement appeared to be the most successful. Research grant budgets should include expenses for website registration and maintenance fees as well as online advertisements on social networking websites. Tracking of recruitment referral sources may be helpful in planning future recruitment campaigns.

Challenges in conducting research after family presence during resuscitation

Family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) is an option occurring in clinical practice. National clinical guidelines on providing the option of FPDR are available from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, American Heart Association, Emergency Nurses Association, and Society of Critical Care Medicine. The FPDR option currently remains controversial, underutilized, and not the usual practice with trauma patients. This article is based on the methodological and practical research challenges associated with an ongoing study to examine the effects of the FPDR option on family outcomes in patients experiencing critical injury after motor vehicle crashes and gunshot wounds. The primary aim of this study was to examine the effects of the FPDR option on family outcomes of anxiety, stress, well-being, and satisfaction and compare those outcomes in families who participate in FPDR to those families who do not participate in FPDR. Examples of real clinical challenges faced by the researchers are described throughout this article. Research challenges include design, sampling, inclusion/exclusion criteria, human subjects, and procedures. Recruitment of family members who participated in the FPDR option is a complex process, especially after admission to the critical care unit.

Assessing the awareness of and willingness to participate in cancer clinical trials among immigrant Latinos

Clinical trials are considered the gold standard of evidence about the efficacy of cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment interventions. A paucity of data exists on determinants of clinical trial participation in the growing US Latino population despite poor cancer outcomes in this group. This study seeks to describe correlates of awareness of and willingness to participate in clinical trials among largely Central, North, and South American Latinos using safety-net clinics. Between June 2007 and November 2008, we conducted an interviewer-administered, Spanish-language cross-sectional survey (n = 944). Logistic regression was used to assess effects of health information sources and psychosocial variables on awareness of and intention to participate in clinical trials. Analyses were completed in spring 2010. While only 48% knew what a clinical trial was, when explained, 65% indicated a willingness to participate. Providers were the most common source of health information. Use of Internet for health information, trust in health information, and higher education each independently increased the odds of clinical trial awareness, but obtaining information from providers did not. Contacting the Cancer Information Service and psychosocial factors were each independently associated with intent to join a clinical trial, while demographic factors were not. Information channels such as the Internet may be effective in conveying clinical trial information to Latinos. Providers being cited as the most common source of health information but not being associated with knowledge about or intent to participate in trials suggests a missed opportunity for communication to this population.

Does increased patient awareness improve accrual into cancer-related clinical trials?

BACKGROUND

Oncology literature cites that only 2% to 4% of patients participate in research. Up to 85% of patients are unaware that clinical trials research is being conducted at their treatment facility or that they might be eligible to participate.

OBJECTIVES

It was hypothesized that patients' satisfaction with information regarding clinical trials would improve after targeted educational interventions, and accruals to clinical trials would increase in the year following those interventions.

METHODS

All new patients referred to the cancer center over a 4-month period were mailed a baseline survey to assess their knowledge of clinical research. Subsequently, educational interventions were provided, including an orientation session highlighting clinical trials, a pamphlet, and a reference to a clinical trials Web site. A postintervention survey was sent to the responders of the initial survey 3 months after the initial mailing.

RESULTS

Patient satisfaction with information significantly increased after the interventions. There was no increase in subsequent enrollment in clinical trials. Patients who indicated an inclination to participate in clinical trials tended to have greater satisfaction with the information they received.

CONCLUSIONS

A set of educational interventions designed for cancer patients significantly improved their satisfaction with information on clinical research, but did not improve clinical trial enrollment of these participants as of 1 year after the study.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The development of educational interventions may be justified, but such interventions may require prolonged implementation to establish benefit. Information relating to research may be most effectively delivered by patients' primary cancer care providers.

Challenges and potential solutions to meeting accrual goals in a Phase II chemoprevention trial for prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this report is to describe the on going strategies, successes, challenges and solutions for recruitment in this multi-center, phase II chemoprevention trial targeting men at high risk for prostate cancer.

METHODS

We developed and implemented a multi-center clinical trial in institutions with supportive infrastructure, lead by a recruitment team of experienced and committed physicians and clinical trial staff, implementing multi-media and community outreach strategies to meet recruitment goals. Screening logs were reviewed to identify trends as well as patient, protocol and infrastructure -related barriers impacting accrual and revisions to protocol implemented.

RESULTS

Between January 2008 and February 2011 a total of 3547 individuals were prescreened with 94% (n=3092) determined to be ineligible based on diagnosis of cancer or benign biopsy results. Of these, 216 were considered eligible for further screening with 52% (n=113) declining to participate due to patient related factors and 14% (n=29) eliminated due to protocol-related criteria for exclusion. Ninety-four (94) subjects consented to participate with 34% of these subjects (n=74) meeting all eligibility criteria to be randomized to receive study agent or placebo. Across all sites, 99% of the recruitment of subjects in this clinical trial is via physician recruitment and referral with less than 1% responding to other recruitment strategies.

CONCLUSION

A contemporary approach to subject recruitment and frequent evaluation is needed to assure responsiveness to emerging challenges to accrual and the evolving scientific literature. A focus on investing on improving systems for physician recruitment may be key to meeting recruitment target in chemoprevention trials.

Minority participation in a school-based randomized clinical trial of tooth decay prevention in the United States

PURPOSE

To describe the strategies-based on the social triad concept of a partnership of researchers, school personnel and community-employed to recruit low-income, minority parent/caregivers of kindergarten children into a school-based tooth decay prevention trial in the United States.

METHODS

The study site was an urban school district with five elementary schools. Recruitment was carried out once each year for three years. Recruitment involved strategies at the school district, school, classroom, and student-parent level. A coalition of researchers, school personnel and community individuals was established for communication and recruitment. Outreach workers from the community were hired to promote, recruit, and disseminate oral health information. Study promotion included both print materials (logos, flyers, pictorial story boards) and presentations at school and community events.

RESULTS

The School District Superintendent and administrators approved the study, and all five school principals and kindergarten teachers participated. All children within the classrooms were eligible: the overall participation rate of was 86% (580/672). Community outreach workers actively facilitated the recruitment and participants were recruited at open house for parent-teacher meeting (37% of all participants), sending letters and consent forms home (31%), at a prearranged convenient time during drop off and pick up of the child at their respective schools (30%), curriculum nights and health fairs (2%).

CONCLUSION

Utilizing the social triad concept led to success in planning and carrying out the recruitment of predominantly minority school children with high participation rates.

Subject Recruitment and Retention against Quadruple Challenges in an Intervention Trial of End-of-Life Communication

Studies of end-of-life care face difficulties associated with enrollment and attrition. Information and exemplars can help end-of-life care researchers anticipate such difficulties and customize recruitment and retention strategies to achieve planned sample sizes. We analyzed data on recruitment and retention efforts used in a clinical trial of an end-of-life communication intervention that involved African American dialysis patients and their chosen surrogate decision makers. Despite the challenges the trial faced (e.g., recruiting a minority group of patients who were seriously ill, had a surrogate decision maker willing to join the study, and were willing to engage in end-of-life discussions), the planned sample size was met, and nearly 90% of the participants completed the study. Various strategies were used to sustain accrual during the study. Although a total of 16 contacts per dyad had been planned from enrollment to 3-months data collection, 27 contacts were actually needed. The strategies and procedures used in this study may be pertinent to other studies that involve African Americans with serious illness and require dyadic participation.