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Lalji R, Hofstetter L, Kongsted A, von Wyl V, Braun J, Puhan MA, Hincapié CA. Swiss chiropractic cohort (Swiss ChiCo) pilot study: feasibility for a musculoskeletal cohort study conducted within a nationwide practice-based research network. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024; 33:2068-2078. [PMID: 38480624 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08175-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Practice-based research networks are collaborations between clinicians and researchers to advance primary care research. This study aims to assess the feasibility for longitudinal data collection within a newly established chiropractic PBRN in Switzerland. METHODS A prospective observational cohort feasibility study was performed. PBRN participating chiropractors were asked to recruit patients seeking new conservative health care for musculoskeletal pain from March 28, 2022, to September 28, 2022. Participants completed clinically oriented survey questions and patient-reported outcome measures before the initial chiropractic assessment as well as 1 h, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks thereafter. Feasibility was assessed through a variety of process, resource, and management metrics. Patient clinical outcomes were also assessed. RESULTS A total of 76 clinicians from 35 unique primary care chiropractic clinics across Switzerland participated. A total of 1431 patients were invited to participate, of which 573 (mean age 47 years, 51% female) were enrolled. Patient survey response proportions were 76%, 64%, 61%, and 56%, at the 1-h, 2-, 6-, and 12-week survey follow-ups, respectively. Evidence of an association was found between increased patient age (OR = 1.03, 95%CI 1.01-1.04), patient from a German-speaking region (OR = 1.81, 95%CI 1.17-2.86), non-smokers (OR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.13-3.17), and increased pain impact score at baseline (OR = 1.18, 95%CI 1.01-1.38) and response to all surveys. CONCLUSION The Swiss ChiCo pilot study exceeded its prespecified feasibility objectives. Nationwide longitudinal data capture was highly feasible. Similar to other practice-based cohorts, participant retention remains a challenge. Trial registration Swiss chiropractic cohort (Swiss ChiCo) pilot study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05116020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Lalji
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Spine Centre Zurich (UWZH), Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Léonie Hofstetter
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alice Kongsted
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark
| | - Viktor von Wyl
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia Braun
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milo A Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cesar A Hincapié
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- University Spine Centre Zurich (UWZH), Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Moffat KR, Shi W, Cannon P, Sullivan F. Factors associated with recruitment to randomised controlled trials in general practice: a systematic mixed studies review. Trials 2023; 24:90. [PMID: 36747260 PMCID: PMC9903494 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06865-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A common challenge for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is recruiting enough participants to be adequately powered to answer the research question. Recruitment has been set as a priority research area in trials to improve recruitment and thereby reduce wasted resources in conducted trials that fail to recruit sufficiently. METHODS We conducted a systematic mixed studies review to identify the factors associated with recruitment to RCTs in general practice. On September 8, 2020, English language studies were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and CENTRAL databases for published studies. NTIS and OpenGrey were searched for grey literature, and BMC Trials was hand searched. A narrative synthesis was conducted for qualitative studies and a thematic synthesis for qualitative studies. RESULTS Thirty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. These were of different study types (10 cross-sectional, 5 non-randomised studies of interventions, 2 RCTs, 10 qualitative and 10 mixed methods). The highest proportion was conducted in the UK (48%). The study quality was generally poor with 24 (65%) studies having major concerns. A complex combination of patient, practitioner or practice factors, and patient, practitioner or practice recruitment were assessed to determine the possible associations. There were more studies of patients than of practices or practitioners. CONCLUSIONS For practitioners and patients alike, a trial that is clinically relevant is critical in influencing participation. Competing demands are given as an important reason for declining participation. There are concerns about randomisation relating to its impact on shared decision-making and not knowing which treatment will be assigned. Patients make decisions about whether they are a candidate for the trial even when they objectively fulfil the eligibility criteria. General practice processes, such as difficulties arranging appointments, can hinder recruitment, and a strong pre-existing doctor-patient relationship can improve recruitment. For clinicians, the wish to contribute to the research enterprise itself is seldom an important reason for participating, though clinicians reported being motivated to participate when the research could improve their clinical practice. One of the few experimental findings was that opportunistic recruitment resulted in significantly faster recruitment compared to systematic recruitment. These factors have clear implications for trial design. Methodologically, recruitment research of practices and practitioners should have increased priority. Higher quality studies of recruitment are required to find out what actually works rather than what might work. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42018100695. Registered on 03 July 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith R. Moffat
- Population and Behavioural Science Division, School of Medicine, Medical & Biological Sciences, North Haugh, St Andrews, UK
| | - Wen Shi
- Population and Behavioural Science Division, School of Medicine, Medical & Biological Sciences, North Haugh, St Andrews, UK
| | - Paul Cannon
- grid.8756.c0000 0001 2193 314XCollege Librarian Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, Information Services, University of Glasgow Library, Hillhead Street, Glasgow, G12 8QE UK
| | - Frank Sullivan
- Population and Behavioural Science Division, School of Medicine, Medical & Biological Sciences, North Haugh, St Andrews, UK
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Castillo G, Lalu M, Asad S, Foster M, Kekre N, Fergusson D, Hawrysh T, Atkins H, Thavorn K, Montroy J, Schwartz S, Holt R, Broady R, Presseau J. Hematologists' barriers and enablers to screening and recruiting patients to a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy trial: a theory-informed interview study. Trials 2021; 22:230. [PMID: 33766105 PMCID: PMC7995587 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05121-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel therapies often fail to reach the bedside due to low trial recruitment rates. Prior to conducting one of the first chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy trials in Canada, we used the Theoretical Domains Framework, a novel tool for identifying barriers and enablers to behavior change, to identify physician-related barriers and enablers to screening and recruiting patients for an early phase immunotherapy trial. METHODS We conducted interviews with hematologists across Canada and used a directed content analysis to identify relevant domains reflecting the key factors that may affect screening and recruitment. RESULTS In total, we interviewed 15 hematologists. Physicians expressed "cautious hope"; while expressing safety, feasibility, and screening criteria concerns, 14 out of 15 hematologists intended to screen for the trial (domains: knowledge, goals, beliefs about consequences, intentions). Physicians underscored the "challenging contexts," identifying resources, workload, forgetting, and patient wait times to receive CAR T cells as key practical barriers to screening (domains: environmental context and resources, memory, attention and decision-making, behavioral regulation). They also highlighted "variability in roles and procedures" that may lead to missed trial candidates (domain: social and professional role). Left unaddressed, these barriers may undermine trial recruitment. CONCLUSIONS This study is among the first to use the Theoretical Domains Framework from the physician perspective to identify recruitment challenges to early phase trials and demonstrates the value of this approach for identifying barriers to screening and recruitment that may not otherwise have been elicited. This approach can optimize trial procedures and may serve to inform future promising early phase cancer therapy trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03765177 . Registered on December 5, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisell Castillo
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Blueprint Translational Research Group, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Manoj Lalu
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Blueprint Translational Research Group, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Ottawa at the Ottawa Hospital General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Sarah Asad
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Blueprint Translational Research Group, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Madison Foster
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Blueprint Translational Research Group, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Natasha Kekre
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, The Ottawa Hospital, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Dean Fergusson
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Blueprint Translational Research Group, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | | | - Harold Atkins
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, The Ottawa Hospital, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Kednapa Thavorn
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada
- Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences (ICES), University of Ottawa, 1053 Carling Ave., Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Joshua Montroy
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Blueprint Translational Research Group, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | | | - Robert Holt
- BC Cancer Genome Sciences Centre, 100-570 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Raewyn Broady
- Leukemia/BMT Program, Vancouver General Hospital, 2775 Laurel St - 10th floor, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Justin Presseau
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada.
- Blueprint Translational Research Group, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada.
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada.
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Wacher NH, Reyes-Sánchez M, Vargas-Sánchez HR, Gamiochipi-Cano M, Rascón-Pacheco RA, Gómez-Díaz RA, Doubova SV, Valladares-Salgado A, Sánchez-Becerra MC, Méndez-Padrón A, Valdez-González LA, Mondragón-González R, Cruz M, Salinas-Martinez AM, Garza-Sagástegui MG, Hernández-Rubí J, González-Hermosillo A, Borja-Aburto VH. Stepwise strategies to successfully recruit diabetes patients in a large research study in Mexican population. Prim Care Diabetes 2017; 11:297-304. [PMID: 28343902 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Describe stepwise strategies (electronic chart review, patient preselection, call-center, personnel dedicated to recruitment) for the successful recruitment of >5000 type 2 diabetes patients in four months. METHODS Twenty-five family medicine clinics from Mexico City and the State of Mexico participated: 13 usual care, 6 specialized diabetes care and 6 chronic disease care. Appointments were scheduled from 11/3/2015 to 3/31/2016. Phone calls were generated automatically from an electronic database. A telephone questionnaire verified inclusion criteria, and scheduled an appointment, with a daily report of appointments, patient attendance, acceptance rate, and questionnaire completeness. Another recruitment log reviewed samples collected. Absolute number (percentage) of patients are reported. Means and standard deviations were estimated for continuous variables, χ2 test and independent "t" tests were used. OR and 95% CI were estimated. RESULTS 14,358 appointments were scheduled, 9146 (63.7%) attended their appointment: 5710 (62.4%) fulfilled inclusion criteria and 5244 agreed to participate (91.8% acceptance). Those accepting participation were more likely women, younger and with longer disease duration (p<0.05). The cost of the call-center service was $3,010,000.00 Mexican pesos (∼$31.70 USD per recruited patient). CONCLUSIONS Stepwise strategies recruit a high number of patients in a short time. Call centers offer a low cost per patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels H Wacher
- Unidad de Investigación en Epidemiología Clínica, UMAE Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Mario Reyes-Sánchez
- División de Medicina Familiar, Unidad de Atención Primaria, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Mireya Gamiochipi-Cano
- Unidad de Investigación en Epidemiología Clínica, UMAE Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Rita A Gómez-Díaz
- Unidad de Investigación en Epidemiología Clínica, UMAE Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Svetlana V Doubova
- Unidad de Investigación en Epidemiología y Servicios de Salud, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adán Valladares-Salgado
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Bioquímica, UMAE Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martha Catalina Sánchez-Becerra
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Bioquímica, UMAE Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Araceli Méndez-Padrón
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Bioquímica, UMAE Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leticia A Valdez-González
- Unidad de Investigación en Epidemiología Clínica, UMAE Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafael Mondragón-González
- Unidad de Investigación en Epidemiología Clínica, UMAE Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Cruz
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Bioquímica, UMAE Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Jaime Hernández-Rubí
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Sistemas Computacionales y Automatización, Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo González-Hermosillo
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Sistemas Computacionales y Automatización, Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Bucci S, Butcher I, Hartley S, Neil ST, Mulligan J, Haddock G. Barriers and facilitators to recruitment in mental health services: care coordinators' expectations and experience of referring to a psychosis research trial. Psychol Psychother 2015; 88:335-50. [PMID: 25257960 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High-quality research trials are necessary to provide evidence for the effective management of mental health difficulties, but successful recruitment can be challenging. DESIGN This qualitative study examines the perceived barriers and facilitators to referring mental health service users to research trials. Seven care coordinators (n = 7) who facilitated the recruitment of participants to a cognitive behaviour therapy - informed psychosis intervention trial were interviewed. METHOD Demographic information was collected by questionnaire and a semi-structured guide was used to explore barriers and facilitators to referring to a partially randomized participant preference trial. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. RESULTS Four key themes, each with a number of sub-themes, were identified: (1) engage the care coordinator in the recruitment process, (2) barriers to referring to research studies, (3) facilitators to referring to research studies; (4) organisational constraints impact on implementing research outcomes into routine clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the barriers and facilitators to recruitment in mental health research could improve recruitment strategies. Our findings highlight the need for researchers' to closely consider their recruitment strategies as service users are not always given the choice to participate in research. Several key recommendations are made based on these findings in order to maximize successful recruitment to research studies. Overall, we recommend that researchers' adopt a flexible, tailor-made approach for each clinical team to ensure a collaborative relationship is developed between research staff and clinicians. PRACTITIONER POINTS A qualitative approach to understanding recruitment challenges provides a useful opportunity to explore the barriers and facilitators to recruiting participants to research studies. These findings have practical implications that highlight the need for a collaborative partnership between researchers and clinical services. Understanding the challenges and issues related to recruitment can help researchers consider strategies to overcome recruitment issues. More research with a larger sample, across a broader population and in different mental health services is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Bucci
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Sandra T Neil
- Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - John Mulligan
- The Beacon, Mersey Care NHS Trust at HMP Garth Prison, Preston, UK
| | - Gillian Haddock
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
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Harter G, Darden J, McMenemy N, McElvy T, Hendrich A. Consent and enrollment process: achieving high enrollment rates for obstetric research. Appl Nurs Res 2015; 29:101-6. [PMID: 26856497 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim was to study the development, design, and implementation of a patient consent and enrollment initiative to identify strategies that enhanced participation. BACKGROUND Consent and enrollment of patients, especially pregnant women, remains a challenge in healthcare research. Although many barriers have been identified, strategies to consistently improve consent and enrollment are less defined. METHODS A case study was conducted on a consent and enrollment approach aimed at optimizing participation of mothers who delivered their infants from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013. Data were gathered through practitioner interviews, focus groups, and documentation review for each year of the study. RESULTS A total of 19,236 mothers enrolled, representing an 85% enrollment rate at the five study sites. Enrollment rates improved over time with increased nursing engagement in patient recruitment, site specific adaptations and patient education strategies. CONCLUSIONS Nursing's active role in implementation and rapid feedback loop of a multifaceted consent and enrollment program showed promise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nancy McMenemy
- St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48236, USA
| | - Tiffany McElvy
- Sacred Heart Hospital of Pensacola, Pensacola, FL 32504, USA
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Williams CM, Maher CG, Hancock MJ, McAuley JH, Lin CWC, Latimer J. Recruitment rate for a clinical trial was associated with particular operational procedures and clinician characteristics. J Clin Epidemiol 2014; 67:169-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2013.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Malhotra S, Musgrave SD, Pinnock H, Price D, Ryan DP. The challenge of recruiting in primary care for a trial of telemonitoring in asthma: an observational study. Pragmat Obs Res 2012; 3:51-55. [PMID: 27774017 PMCID: PMC5045009 DOI: 10.2147/por.s34380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Achieving target recruitment in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is challenging. This paper compares our experience of recruiting for an RCT with the predictions made in our proposal. Methods Participating UK primary care practices searched their computer databases to identify patients (12 years and over) with asthma who may be poorly controlled. Postal invitations were sent to all patients identified. Respondees were prescreened by phone, to assess their asthma control and establish their mobile phone suitability. Potentially eligible patients were booked for a trial recruitment visit. Results We recruited 288 patients (2.4% of those invited) across 32 practices, with a total list size of 311,926 patients. This compares to our predicted recruitment of 312 patients from a population of 72,000 patients in six to eight practices. In addition to the recognized problem of poor response rates, the major challenges were insufficiently discriminating computer searches and incompatibilities between mobile phone handsets, networks and the asthma application. Conclusion Our data have implications for clinicians, managers, and researchers in primary care. Researchers in this area may wish to consider our data when designing their recruitment strategies. Improved coding of asthma morbidity data in clinical practice would ease identification of poorly controlled patients, both for clinical interventions and recruitment to trials. If telehealth is to become mainstream, there needs to be standardization of applications, operating platforms, and network capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Malhotra
- Clinical Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, UK; Department of Emergency Medicine, SUNY Downstate and Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Stanley D Musgrave
- Clinical Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, UK
| | - Hilary Pinnock
- Allergy and Respiratory Research Group, Centre for Population Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Price
- Clinical Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, UK
| | - Dermot P Ryan
- Clinical Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, UK; Allergy and Respiratory Research Group, Centre for Population Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Fletcher B, Gheorghe A, Moore D, Wilson S, Damery S. Improving the recruitment activity of clinicians in randomised controlled trials: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2012; 2:e000496. [PMID: 22228729 PMCID: PMC3253423 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poor recruitment to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is a widespread problem. Provision of interventions aimed at supporting or incentivising clinicians may improve recruitment to RCTs. Objectives To quantify the effects of strategies aimed at improving the recruitment activity of clinicians in RCTs, complemented with a synthesis of qualitative evidence related to clinicians' attitudes towards recruiting to RCTs. Data sources A systematic review of English and non-English articles identified from: The Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid PsycINFO, Ebsco CINAHL, Index to Theses and Open SIGLE from 2001 to March 2011. Additional reports were identified through citation searches of included articles. Study eligibility criteria Quantitative studies were included if they evaluated interventions aimed at improving the recruitment activity of clinicians or compared recruitment by different groups of clinicians. Information about host trial, study design, participants, interventions, outcomes and host RCT was extracted by one researcher and checked by another. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for quality using a standardised tool, the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. Qualitative studies were included if they investigated clinicians' attitudes to recruiting patients to RCTs. All results/findings were extracted, and content analysis was carried out. Overarching themes were abstracted, followed by a metasummary analysis. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist. Data extraction Data extraction was carried out by one researcher using predefined data fields, including study quality indicators, and verified by another. Results Eight quantitative studies were included describing four interventions and a comparison of recruiting clinicians. One study was rated as strong, one as moderate and the remaining six as weak when assessed for quality using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. Effective interventions included the use of qualitative research to identify and overcome barriers to recruitment, reduction of the clinical workload associated with participation in RCTs and the provision of extra training and protected research time. Eleven qualitative studies were identified, and eight themes were abstracted from the data: understanding of research, communication, perceived patient barriers, patient-clinician relationship, effect on patients, effect on clinical practice, individual benefits for clinicians and methods associated with successful recruitment. Metasummary analysis identified the most frequently reported subthemes to be: difficulty communicating trial methods, poor understanding of research and priority given to patient well-being. Overall, the qualitative studies were found to be of good quality when assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Conclusions There were few high-quality trials that tested interventions to improve clinicians' recruitment activity in RCTs. The most promising intervention was the use of qualitative methods to identify and overcome barriers to clinician recruitment activity. More good quality studies of interventions are needed to add to the evidence base. The metasummary of qualitative findings identified understanding and communicating RCT methods as a key target for future interventions to improve recruitment. Reinforcement of the potential benefits, both for clinicians and for their patients, could also be a successful factor in improving recruitment. A bias was found towards investigating barriers to recruitment, so future work should also encompass a focus on successfully recruiting trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Fletcher
- School of Health and Population Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
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