1
|
de Graaf BC, Gerritse MBE, Michiels KCJ, Kluivers KB, van de Belt TH. Social media recruitment of participants in a female stress urinary incontinence trial: A feasibility study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 299:253-257. [PMID: 38908036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explores the opportunities of social media advertisements as a recruitment strategy in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). STUDY DESIGN This feasibility study was part of a larger clinical trial on the effects of a patient decision aid for SUI treatment. We started a 61-day social media advertisement campaign to recruit women for the trial. The primary outcome of our study was enrolment pace. Secondary outcomes involved cost per participant, baseline demographic comparison and ad campaign performance metrics. Additionally, we interviewed recruited participants to identify the facilitators and barriers of our approach. RESULTS Ten participants were recruited, of whom 8 completed the full study protocol (2 questionnaires 6 months apart). The enrolment pace, 4.0 study participants per month, was faster compared to the average of 2.7 participants per month through conventional methods. The campaign reached 87 clicks on the advertisement per day and 1 % of these women showed interest in our study by contacting us. The overall conversion rate from click to full participation was 0.2 %. The costs per participant were €112. Besides higher age, the demographics of the social media recruited participants were comparable to the conventional inclusions. Qualitative analysis identified more user-oriented enrolment procedures and potential participant benefit as facilitators of social media recruitment. CONCLUSION This study shows that social media recruitment can be feasible in trials for women with SUI. It can accelerate recruitment of eligible participants. Optimising the enrolment procedure to better meet participants' needs and recruitment benefits may improve participation and cost-effectiveness. Trial registration ID 2017-3540.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris C de Graaf
- Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ede, the Netherlands
| | - Maria B E Gerritse
- Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ede, the Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Gynecology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Kim C J Michiels
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Gynecology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsten B Kluivers
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Gynecology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Johnson LC, Stevens G, Cantrell M, Little NR, Holahan TJ, Saunders CH, Thomeer RP, Sheppard R, Elwyn G, Durand MA. Engaging Long-Term Care Workers in Research: Recruitment Approaches and Participant Characteristics From a Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:104978. [PMID: 38588798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe and compare the recruitment methods employed in a randomized controlled trial targeting long-term care workers, and resulting participant baseline characteristics. DESIGN We used a multifaceted recruitment process to enroll long-term care workers in our 3-arm randomized controlled trial comparing 2 interventions to enhanced usual practice, for improving COVID-19 vaccine confidence and other outcomes. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Adult long-term care workers living in the United States employed within the last 2 years were invited to join the study. Participants also had to meet specific screening criteria related to their degree of worry about the vaccine and/or their vaccination status. METHODS We used a participatory approach to engage our long-term care stakeholders in codesigning and executing a combination of recruitment methods, including targeted e-recruitment, paid e-recruitment, and in-person recruitment. Participants were screened, consented, and enrolled online. We implemented a participant verification process to ensure the integrity of our study data, and used a tailored participant management platform to manage enrollment. RESULTS We enrolled 1930 long-term care workers between May 2022 and January 2023. We met our enrollment target, despite each recruitment method having limitations. Total variable costs of approximately $102,700 were incurred and differed on a per-enrolled participant basis across methods: $25.73 for targeted e-recruitment, $57.12 for paid e-recruitment, and $64.92 for in-person methods. Our sample differed from the national population in age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and role in long-term care. Differences were also observed between online and in-person recruitment methods. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results support the feasibility of enrolling a large number of long-term care workers in a randomized controlled trial to increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence. Findings build upon the evidence base for engaging this important population in research, a critical step to improving long-term care resident health and well-being. Results from our trial are anticipated in 2024.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C Johnson
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Gabrielle Stevens
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - N Ruth Little
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Timothy J Holahan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Rachael P Thomeer
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Glyn Elwyn
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Marie-Anne Durand
- Unisanté Center for Primary Care and Public Health Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vos SC, Adatorwovor R, Roberts MK, Lee Sherman D, Bonds D, Dunfee MN, Spring B, Schoenberg NE. Community engagement through social media: A promising low-cost strategy for rural recruitment? J Rural Health 2024; 40:467-475. [PMID: 37985592 PMCID: PMC11102927 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE For the same reasons that rural telehealth has shown promise for enhancing the provision of care in underserved environments, social media recruitment may facilitate more inclusive research engagement in rural areas. However, little research has examined social media recruitment in the rural context, and few studies have evaluated the feasibility of using a free social media page to build a network of rural community members who may be interested in a research study. Here, we describe the rationale, process, and protocols of developing and implementing a social media approach to recruit rural residents to participate in an mHealth intervention. METHODS Informed by extensive formative research, we created a study Facebook page emphasizing community engagement in an mHealth behavioral intervention. We distributed the page to local networks and regularly posted recruitment and community messages. We collected data on the reach of the Facebook page, interaction with our messages, and initiations of our study intake survey. FINDINGS Over 21 weeks, our Facebook page gained 429 followers, and Facebook users interacted with our social media messages 3,080 times. Compared to messages that described desirable study features, messages that described community involvement resulted in higher levels of online interaction. Social media and other recruitment approaches resulted in 225 people initiating our in-take survey, 9 enrolling in our pilot study, and 26 placing their names on a waiting list. CONCLUSIONS A standalone social media page highlighting community involvement shows promise for recruiting in rural areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Vos
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | | | - Deanna Lee Sherman
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Delaney Bonds
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Bonnie Spring
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nancy E. Schoenberg
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Grudziąż-Sękowska J, Sękowski K, Pinkas J, Jankowski M. Preferred sources of information on diabetes prevention programmes: a population-based cross-sectional study in Poland. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e083362. [PMID: 38760035 PMCID: PMC11103186 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyse preferred sources of information on diabetes prevention programmes and to identify sociodemographic determinants influencing these preferences among adults in Poland. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey was carried out between 15 and 18 September 2023 using a computer-assisted web interview. A self-prepared questionnaire included 10 questions on sources of information on type 2 diabetes prevention. PARTICIPANTS Data were obtained from 1046 adults (18-82 years); 53.4% were females. RESULTS Most respondents preferred email communication (46.4%), followed by a doctor or nurse (33.5%), and a letter or leaflet directly delivered to the mailbox (25.8%) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) prevention information. Younger respondents were more likely to indicate mass media (OR=1.81, 95% CI=1.12 to 2.95, p=0.01) and digital media (OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.02 to 2.67, p=0.04) as a source of information on DM2 prevention. Those who had higher education (OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.16 to 1.96, p=0.002), as well as those with chronic diseases (OR=1.50, 95% CI=1.14 to 1.97, p=0.004), were more likely to indicate digital media. Out of 10 different variables analysed in this study, passive occupational status (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.04 to 1.96, p=0.03) as well as having chronic diseases (OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.16 to 1.96, p=0.002) were associated with higher odds of indicating healthcare workers as a preferred source of information. Marital status, having children, place of residence, household characteristics and financial status do not significantly decide communication preferences. CONCLUSION Communication on DM2 prevention should be adjusted to public preferences and expectations. Tailoring interventions to different demographic groups can enhance outreach and engagement. Email emerged as a popular choice, suggesting the potential of digital communication in preventive health programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kuba Sękowski
- School of Public Health, Centrum Medyczne Ksztalcenia Podyplomowego, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Pinkas
- School of Public Health, Centrum Medyczne Ksztalcenia Podyplomowego, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Jankowski
- School of Public Health, Centrum Medyczne Ksztalcenia Podyplomowego, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hao J, Yao Z, Remis A, Huang B, Li Y, Yu X. Pelvic floor muscle training in telerehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:1753-1764. [PMID: 38340157 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07380-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review aims to identify, critically appraise, and summarize current evidence regarding the feasibility and efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training in telerehabilitation. METHODS Three bibliographic databases, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched from inception to October 1, 2023. Clinical trials assessing the feasibility and efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training in telerehabilitation were eligible for inclusion. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tool were used for methodological quality assessment. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were completed by two independent reviewers. Meta-analyses were performed to determine the effects of pelvic floor muscle training in telerehabilitation. RESULTS Five randomized controlled trials and three single cohort clinical trials were included in this review. Four studies were evaluated as good quality, and four as fair. Pelvic floor telerehabilitation was well tolerated and demonstrated good patient compliance and satisfaction. Pooled analysis indicated significant effects of pelvic floor telerehabilitation on the severity of urinary incontinence with a large effect size, pelvic floor muscle strength with a large effect size, and quality of life with a medium effect size. CONCLUSION This systematic review demonstrates that pelvic floor muscle training in telerehabilitation is a feasible and effective approach and highlights its efficacy in patients with urinary incontinence. This review supports the application of pelvic floor muscle training in telerehabilitation and informs further clinical and research endeavors to incorporate digital health technologies in managing pelvic floor dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hao
- Department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| | - Zixuan Yao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Institution of Geriatric Medicine, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, 100051, People's Republic of China.
| | - Andréas Remis
- Health Research Association of Keck Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Biying Huang
- Department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Yanfei Li
- Department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Xin Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Clohessy S, Arvanitis TN, Rashid U, Craddock C, Evans M, Toro CT, Elliott MT. Using digital tools in clinical, health and social care research: a mixed-methods study of UK stakeholders. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e076613. [PMID: 38569710 PMCID: PMC11146398 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes to clinical research methodology, with clinical studies being carried out via online/remote means. This mixed-methods study aimed to identify which digital tools are currently used across all stages of clinical research by stakeholders in clinical, health and social care research and investigate their experience using digital tools. DESIGN Two online surveys followed by semistructured interviews were conducted. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS To explore the digital tools used since the pandemic, survey participants (researchers and related staff (n=41), research and development staff (n=25)), needed to have worked on clinical, health or social care research studies over the past 2 years (2020-2022) in an employing organisation based in the West Midlands region of England (due to funding from a regional clinical research network (CRN)). Survey participants had the opportunity to participate in an online qualitative interview to explore their experiences of digital tools in greater depth (n=8). RESULTS Six themes were identified in the qualitative interviews: 'definition of a digital tool in clinical research'; 'impact of the COVID-19 pandemic'; 'perceived benefits/drawbacks of digital tools'; 'selection of a digital tool'; 'barriers and overcoming barriers' and 'future digital tool use'. The context of each theme is discussed, based on the interview results. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate how digital tools are becoming embedded in clinical research, as well as the breadth of tools used across different research stages. The majority of participants viewed the tools positively, noting their ability to enhance research efficiency. Several considerations were highlighted; concerns about digital exclusion; need for collaboration with digital expertise/clinical staff, research on tool effectiveness and recommendations to aid future tool selection. There is a need for the development of resources to help optimise the selection and use of appropriate digital tools for clinical research staff and participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Carly Craddock
- National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network West Midlands, Birmingham, UK
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Mark Evans
- National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network West Midlands, Birmingham, UK
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Carla T Toro
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Mark T Elliott
- WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Benedict C, Ford JS, Schapira L, Davis A, Simon P, Spiegel D, Diefenbach M. Preliminary testing of "roadmap to parenthood" decision aid and planning tool for family building after cancer: Results of a single-arm pilot study. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6323. [PMID: 38629761 PMCID: PMC11182040 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many young adult female cancer survivors need to use reproductive medicine, surrogacy, or adoption to have a child. This study pilot tested Roadmap to Parenthood, a web-based, self-guided decision aid and planning tool for family building after cancer (disease agnostic). METHODS A single-arm pilot study tested feasibility, acceptability, and obtained effect size estimates of the Roadmap tool. Participants, recruited via hospital-based and social media strategies, completed a baseline survey (T1), accessed the Roadmap tool (website), then completed surveys at one- and 3-months (T2 and T3, respectively). Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated with rates of eligibility, enrollment, and survey completion, and feedback. Pairwise t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA evaluated usage effects. Effect size estimates were calculated. RESULTS Participants (N = 98) averaged 31 years old (SD = 5.61); 71% were nulliparous. Enrollment rate was 73%, T1-T2 completion rate was 80%, and 93% accessed the website. From T1-T2, participants reported improvements in decisional conflict (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.85), unmet information needs (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.70), self-efficacy (p = 0.003; Cohen's d = 0.40), and self-efficacy for managing negative emotions (p = 0.03; Cohen's d = 0.29); effects were sustained at T3. There was no change in reproductive distress (p = 0.22). By T3, 94% reported increased consideration of preparatory actions and 20%-61% completed such actions. CONCLUSIONS The Roadmap intervention was feasible to conduct, acceptable to users, and led to improvements in key psychosocial outcomes. Future directions will test intervention efficacy in a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample and over a longer period. A web-based tool may help women make decisions about family building after cancer and prepare for potential challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Benedict
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Jennifer S. Ford
- Hunter College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY
| | | | - Alexandra Davis
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Pamela Simon
- Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, Palo Alto, CA
| | - David Spiegel
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Michael Diefenbach
- Center for Health Innovation and Outcomes Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jones K, Wilson-Keates B, Melrose S. Using social media to recruit research participants: a literature review. Nurse Res 2024; 32:28-34. [PMID: 38105712 DOI: 10.7748/nr.2023.e1859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It may be challenging for researchers to recruit enough participants to have a diverse and representative sample for their studies. Usual recruitment methods that were historically effective can be difficult to use because of high costs, time constraints and geographical limitations. Social media is a low-cost, time-saving alternative. AIM To summarise the benefits and challenges of using social media for recruitment. DISCUSSION This article provides an overview of social media. It considers the advantages of social media for recruitment, including its cost-effectiveness, accessibility, speed and potential exposure for researchers. It also discusses the challenges of using social media for recruitment, including ethical ambiguity, homogenous sampling and questionable validity of information gathered. CONCLUSION Using social media for research saves time and reduces costs, increasing access to hard-to-reach populations and the reach of recruitment efforts. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Options for researchers wishing to use social media for study recruitment are outlined, as are strategies for managing some of the challenges involved in this recruitment method.
Collapse
|
9
|
Keedle H, Dahlen HG. Incorporating co-design principles and social media strategies to enhance cross-sectional online survey participation: The Birth Experience Study. J Nurs Scholarsh 2024; 56:341-350. [PMID: 37984985 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
AIM To use co-design principles to design a nationwide maternity experiences survey and to distribute the survey through social media. DESIGN A co-designed, cross sectional, and national online survey. METHODS Using co-design principles from study design and throughout the research process a cross-sectional, online, national survey of Australian women's experiences of maternity care was designed. Four validated survey instruments were included in the survey design. RESULTS An extensive social media strategy was utilized, which included paid advertising, resulting in 8804 surveys for analysis and 54,896 comments responding to open text questions. DISCUSSION The inclusion of co-design principles contributed to a well-designed survey and consumer involvement in distribution and support of the online survey. The social media distribution strategy contributed to high participation rates with overall low marketing costs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Maternity services should be designed to provide woman-centered, individualized care. This survey was co-designed with maternity users and maternity organizations to explore women's recent experiences of maternity care in Australia. The outcomes of this study will highlight the factors that contribute to positive and negative experiences in maternity services. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION As a co-designed study, there was consumer engagement from the design of the study, throughout the research process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hazel Keedle
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hannah G Dahlen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shorey S, Tam TC, Thilagamangai, Mathews J, Lim SH, Shi L, Chua JS, Chan YH, Law E, Chee C, Chong YS. 'Been there, experienced that': A qualitative study on the experiences and perceptions of online peer volunteers in supporting Singaporean mothers at risk of depression. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:1072-1083. [PMID: 37706224 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online peer support is a useful source of support for parents during the perinatal period, associated with improved psychological outcomes. Past research has found that peer support providers themselves gain from providing peer support as well, making it mutually beneficial. As current maternity care services are insufficient to meet the support needs of parents, the Supportive Parenting App (SPA) intervention was developed to offer them informational, appraisal and emotional support during the perinatal period. It consists of mobile health application-based educational support and online peer support provided by trained peer volunteers, to prevent the development of postnatal depression. OBJECTIVE To explore the experiences of peer volunteers with providing online peer support to parents during the perinatal period, as well as to identify areas of improvement for the SPA intervention. METHODS A qualitative descriptive design was adopted. This study took place from October 2020 to August 2021 in two tertiary public healthcare institutions in Singapore. A total of 18 peer volunteers were invited for individual semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS Four themes were emerged as follows: (1) 'Being there': Reminiscing about and healing of own postnatal depression experience; (2) Building rapport with parents; (3) Parents in mind: Mutual sharing of knowledge and how to support new parents better; (4) Ensuring good quality peer support. CONCLUSIONS The peer volunteers felt that their experience was fulfilling and healing. Frequent contact, sharing of SPA resources and self-disclosure were found to help engage the new parents and build rapport between peer volunteers and parents. Challenges described by the peer volunteers have identified possible areas in which the SPA intervention can be improved. IMPLICATIONS FOR CARE Communication between peer program facilitators, managers and peer volunteers can be enhanced to ensure that peer volunteers are more sensitive and precise when providing support or information. This can improve rapport building between parents and peer volunteers, which will in turn maximize the benefits that parents can reap through online peer-to-peer support. IMPACT This study explored the perceptions of peer volunteers who provided online peer support to parents across the perinatal period. Peer volunteers felt that the SPA intervention was meaningful and that providing peer support was a healing experience. They were able to learn about the experiences of other mothers with postpartum depression while sharing their own past experiences. Thus, both parents and peer volunteers can benefit from engaging in online peer support programs. Technology-based interventions like the Supportive Parenting App (SPA) can be a suitable complement to maternity care services by providing parents access to medically accurate information and social support. Additionally, more experienced mothers can engage in fulfilling experiences through volunteering for new mothers who may benefit from informational, appraisal and emotional support. REPORTING METHOD This study follows the reporting guidelines as stated by the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Parents and peer volunteers contributed ideas that aided with the design of the mobile app. Many topics added to the educational materials were suggested by these parents as well. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: This study showed that sufficient training can be provided to lay peer volunteers to help them support other parents, buffering the pressure exerted on the healthcare industry due to the rising demand for healthcare services. The provision of such support is also beneficial for the peer volunteers themselves, as they find it meaningful and educational. Program developers of parenting and peer volunteering interventions can draw on the findings of this study to improve the effectiveness of these programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thiam Chye Tam
- Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thilagamangai
- Division of Nursing, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jancy Mathews
- National University Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Luming Shi
- Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Shi Chua
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Evelyn Law
- National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Yap Seng Chong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 11, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kasahara A, Mitchell J, Yang J, Cuomo RE, McMann TJ, Mackey TK. Digital technologies used in clinical trial recruitment and enrollment including application to trial diversity and inclusion: A systematic review. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241242390. [PMID: 38559578 PMCID: PMC10981266 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241242390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Many clinical trials fail because of poor recruitment and enrollment which can directly impact the success of biomedical and clinical research outcomes. Options to leverage digital technology for improving clinical trial management are expansive, with potential benefits for improving access to clinical trials, encouraging trial diversity and inclusion, and potential cost-savings through enhanced efficiency. Objectives This systematic review has two key aims: (1) identify and describe the digital technologies applied in clinical trial recruitment and enrollment and (2) evaluate evidence of these technologies addressing the recruitment and enrollment of racial and ethnic minority groups. Methods We conducted a cross-disciplinary review of articles from PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library, published in English between January 2012 and July 2022, using MeSH terms and keywords for digital health, clinical trials, and recruitment and enrollment. Articles unrelated to technology in the recruitment/enrollment process or those discussing recruitment/enrollment without technology aspects were excluded. Results The review returned 614 results, with 21 articles (four reviews and 17 original research articles) deemed suitable for inclusion after screening and full-text review. To address the first objective, various digital technologies were identified and characterized, which included articles with more than one technology subcategory including (a) multimedia presentations (19%, n = 4); (b) mobile applications (14%, n = 3); (c) social media platforms (29%, n = 6); (d) machine learning and computer algorithms (19%, n = 4); (e) e-consenting (24%, n = 5); (f) blockchain (5%, n = 1); (g) web-based programs (24%, n = 5); and (h) virtual messaging (24%, n = 5). Additionally, subthemes, including specific diseases or conditions addressed, privacy and regulatory concerns, cost/benefit analyses, and ethnic and minority recruitment considerations, were identified and discussed. Limited research was found to support a particular technology's effectiveness in racial and ethnic minority recruitment and enrollment. Conclusion Results from this review illustrate that several types of technology are currently being explored and utilized in clinical trial recruitment and enrollment stages. However, evidence supporting the use of digital technologies is varied and requires further research and evaluation to identify the most valuable opportunities for encouraging diversity in clinical trial recruitment and enrollment practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Kasahara
- Rady School of Management, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Mitchell
- Rady School of Management, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Occupational Therapy, California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Yang
- Department of Public Health, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Raphael E. Cuomo
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- S-3 Research, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego – School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tiana J. McMann
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- S-3 Research, San Diego, CA, USA
- Global Health Program, Department of Anthropology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tim K. Mackey
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- S-3 Research, San Diego, CA, USA
- Global Health Program, Department of Anthropology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Horan WP, Sachs G, Velligan DI, Davis M, Keefe RS, Khin NA, Butlen-Ducuing F, Harvey PD. Current and Emerging Technologies to Address the Placebo Response Challenge in CNS Clinical Trials: Promise, Pitfalls, and Pathways Forward. INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 21:19-30. [PMID: 38495609 PMCID: PMC10941857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Excessive placebo response rates have long been a major challenge for central nervous system (CNS) drug discovery. As CNS trials progressively shift toward digitalization, decentralization, and novel remote assessment approaches, questions are emerging about whether innovative technologies can help mitigate the placebo response. This article begins with a conceptual framework for understanding placebo response. We then critically evaluate the potential of a range of innovative technologies and associated research designs that might help mitigate the placebo response and enhance detection of treatment signals. These include technologies developed to directly address placebo response; technology-based approaches focused on recruitment, retention, and data collection with potential relevance to placebo response; and novel remote digital phenotyping technologies. Finally, we describe key scientific and regulatory considerations when evaluating and selecting innovative strategies to mitigate placebo response. While a range of technological innovations shows potential for helping to address the placebo response in CNS trials, much work remains to carefully evaluate their risks and benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William P. Horan
- Dr. Horan is with Karuna Therapeutics in Boston, Massachusetts, and University of California in Los Angeles, California
| | - Gary Sachs
- Dr. Sachs is with Signant Health in Boston, Massachusetts, and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dawn I. Velligan
- Dr. Velligan is with University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas
| | - Michael Davis
- Dr. Davis is with Usona Institute in Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Richard S.E. Keefe
- Dr. Keefe is with Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina
| | - Ni A. Khin
- Dr. Khin is with Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. in San Diego, California
| | - Florence Butlen-Ducuing
- Dr. Butlen-Ducuing is with Office for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, European Medicines Agency in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip D. Harvey
- Dr. Harvey is with University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Daniels AM, Law JK, Green Snyder L, Diehl K, Goin-Kochel RP, Feliciano P, Chung WK. Effectiveness of multimodal participant recruitment in SPARK, a large, online longitudinal research study of autism. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 8:e64. [PMID: 38655455 PMCID: PMC11036434 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background SPARK launched in 2016 to build a US cohort of autistic individuals and their family members. Enrollment includes online consent to share data and optional consent to provide saliva for genomic analysis. SPARK's recruitment strategies include social media and support of a nation-wide network of clinical sites. This study evaluates SPARK's recruitment strategies to enroll a core study population. Methods Individuals who joined between January 31, 2018, and May 29, 2019 were included in the analysis. Data include sociodemographic characteristics, clinical site referral, the website URL used to join, how the participant heard about SPARK, enrollment completion (online registration, study consents, and returning saliva sample), and completion of the baseline questionnaire. Logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the odds of core participant status (completing enrollment and baseline questionnaire) by recruitment strategy. Results In total, 31,715 individuals joined during the study period, including 40% through a clinical site. Overall, 88% completed online registration, 46% returned saliva, and 38% were core participants. Those referred by a clinical site were almost twice as likely to be core participants. Those who directly visited the SPARK website or performed a Google search were more likely to be core participants than those who joined through social media. Discussion Being a core participant may be associated with the "personal" connection and support provided by a clinical site and/or site staff, as well as greater motivation to seek research opportunities. Findings from this study underscore the value of adopting a multimodal recruitment approach that combines social media and a physical presence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - J. Kiely Law
- Simons Foundation, New York, NY,
USA
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore,
MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Wendy K. Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, MA,
USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ejem DB, Wechsler S, Gallups S, Khalidi S, Coffee-Dunning J, Montgomery AP, Stevens CJ, Keene K, Rocque GB, Chamberlin M, Hegel MT, Azuero A, Pisu M, Ellis D, Ingram SA, Lawhon VM, Gilbert T, Morrissette K, Morency J, Thorp K, Codini M, Newman R, Echols J, Cloyd D, dos Anjos S, Muse C, Goedeken S, Laws KE, Herbert J, Bakitas M, Lyons KD. Enhancing Efficiency and Reach Using Facebook to Recruit Breast Cancer Survivors for a Telephone-Based Supportive Care Randomized Trial During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:1020-1030. [PMID: 37733975 PMCID: PMC10667016 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence supporting social media-based recruitment of cancer survivors is limited. This paper describes how we used Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic to augment our recruitment of breast cancer survivors for our two-site telephone-based randomized clinical trial (RCT) at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. METHODS Originally a two-site RCT of a telephone-delivered breast cancer survivorship intervention, we extended our clinic-based recruitment to Facebook. Participant characteristics, geographic reach, and baseline outcomes were compared across recruitment sources (ie, two clinics and Facebook) using descriptive statistics and effect sizes. RESULTS Enrollment rates (20%-29%) were comparable across recruitment sources. The 21-month Facebook marketing campaign accounted for 59% (n = 179/303) of our total sample and had the greatest geographic reach, recruiting women from 24 states. The Facebook campaign reached a total of 51,787 unique individuals and cost $88.44 in US dollars (USD) per enrolled participant. Clinic samples had a greater proportion of women who were widowed (8% v 1%; P = .03) and Facebook had a higher proportion of women with a household income over $40,000 USD (83% v 71%; P = .02). There were no statistically significant differences between Facebook and the two clinics on baseline survey scores. CONCLUSION Augmenting traditional recruitment with Facebook increased our RCT's geographic and sociodemographic reach and supported meeting recruitment goals in a timely way. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer survivorship researchers should consider using social media as a recruitment strategy while weighing the advantages and potential biases introduced through such strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah B. Ejem
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Stephen Wechsler
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Sarah Gallups
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Sarah Khalidi
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - Aoyjay P. Montgomery
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Al
| | | | - Kimberly Keene
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Gabrielle B. Rocque
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Divisions of Hematology & Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Mary Chamberlin
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, Lebanon, NH
| | - Mark T. Hegel
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, Lebanon, NH
| | - Andres Azuero
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Daphne Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, Lebanon, NH
| | - Stacey A. Ingram
- Divisions of Hematology & Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Valerie M. Lawhon
- Divisions of Hematology & Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Tiffany Gilbert
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, Lebanon, NH
| | - Kali Morrissette
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, Lebanon, NH
| | - Jamme Morency
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Karen Thorp
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Megan Codini
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Robin Newman
- College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer Echols
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Danielle Cloyd
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Sarah dos Anjos
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Colleen Muse
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Susan Goedeken
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Kristen Elizabeth Laws
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Jennae Herbert
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Marie Bakitas
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Kathleen D. Lyons
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wong KHTW, Lau WCY, Man KKC, Bilbow A, Ip P, Wei L. Effectiveness of Facebook Groups and Pages on Participant Recruitment Into a Randomized Controlled Trial During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Descriptive Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46190. [PMID: 37847536 PMCID: PMC10618879 DOI: 10.2196/46190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, conventional recruitment approaches were halted, causing the suspension of numerous clinical trials. Previously, Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc) has emerged as a promising tool for augmenting participant recruitment. While previous research has explored the use of Facebook for surveys and qualitative studies, its potential for recruiting participants into randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to comprehensively examine the effectiveness of using Facebook groups and pages to facilitate participant recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic for an RCT on the effectiveness of a remote parenting program, 1-2-3 Magic, in families who have children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the United Kingdom. METHODS We disseminated 5 Facebook posts with an attached digital flyer across 4 prominent ADHD UK support groups and pages run by the National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Services, reaching an audience of around 16,000 individuals over 2 months (January 7 to March 4, 2022). Eligibility criteria mandated participants to be parents or caregivers of a child with diagnosed ADHD aged 12 years or younger, be residing in the United Kingdom, have access to stable internet, and have a device with the Zoom (Zoom Video Communications) app. Participants were required to have never attended 1-2-3 Magic training previously. Prospective participants expressed their interest through Microsoft Forms (Microsoft Corporation). The trial aimed to recruit 84 parents. It is important to note that the term "parent" or "caregiver" in the RCT and in this study within a trial refers to anybody who has legal responsibility for the child. RESULTS Overall, 478 individuals registered their interest through Microsoft Forms within the stipulated 2-month window. After the eligibility check, 135 participants were contacted for a baseline meeting through Zoom. The first 84 participants who attended a baseline meeting and returned a completed consent form were enrolled. Subsequently, another 16 participants were added, resulting in a final sample of 100 participants. This recruitment strategy incurred negligible expenses and demanded minimal human resources. The approach yielded favorable outcomes by efficiently attracting eligible participants in a condensed time frame, transcending geographical barriers throughout the United Kingdom, which would have been tedious to achieve through traditional recruitment methods. CONCLUSIONS Our experience demonstrated that digital flyers posted in the targeted Facebook groups were a cost-effective and quick method for recruiting for an RCT, which opened during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdown restrictions were in place in the United Kingdom. Trialists should consider this low-cost recruitment intervention for trials going forward, and in the case of a global pandemic, this novel recruitment method enabled the trial to continue where many have failed. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) 15281572; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15281572.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie H T W Wong
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Wallis C Y Lau
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Kenneth K C Man
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Andrea Bilbow
- National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Services, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Ip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Li Wei
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Boxall C, Renz S, Eminton Z, Nuttall J, Saji A, Cluff C, Wilcox C, Muller I, Layton AM, Soulsby I, Santer M. Factors that influence women's enrolment and ongoing participation in a partially decentralised randomised controlled dermatology trial: a qualitative interview study with participants in the SAFA (Spironolactone for Adult Female Acne) trial. Trials 2023; 24:661. [PMID: 37821899 PMCID: PMC10568833 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07630-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of decentralised clinical trials (which bring trials to patients through remote processes and technology versus central on-site visits) has been thought to be a potential solution to common recruitment and retention barriers. However, there is a lack of evidence to understand the experiences, needs and preferences of the public to inform trial methodologies that appeal to different populations. We report participant experiences of SAFA, a partially decentralised randomised clinical trial, to inform the methodology used in future dermatology trials that aim to appeal to women aged 18 and over. METHODS Participants of the SAFA (Spironolactone for Adult Female Acne) trial were invited to take part in a qualitative semi-structured interview to explore their experience and perspectives of taking part in the trial. Questions focused on their experience of using decentralised methods to access and enrol in the trial (e.g. social media advertising), in addition to the decentralised trial visit and data collection methods used throughout. Interviews were conducted remotely, recorded, and transcribed. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Twelve SAFA participants (all women, age range 22-36 years) were interviewed. Initially, participants were influenced to enrol by trusted online information, the feeling of validation the trial provided, and the convenience and flexibility offered by the decentralised methods and research staff made participants feel valued and enabled them to engage in the trial with minimal interference to existing commitments. SAFA participants were generally accepting of trial demands, such as the text-heavy paperwork and on-site visits for blood collection and highlighted several areas relevant for trial conduct going forwards including where decentralised methods may (and may not) be accepted and how trial accessibility and understanding could be improved. CONCLUSIONS The study has shown that decentralised methods used by responsive and approachable staff were widely accepted in the SAFA trial. Interviewees found the methods adopted in the SAFA trial helped the trial to fit with their needs and promoted a sense of feeling valued that encouraged ongoing trial engagement. Decentralised methods should be considered favourably when designing a dermatology trial as they can potentially enhance both recruitment and retention. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN 12892056. Registered on October 15, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cherish Boxall
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Susanne Renz
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Zina Eminton
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jacqueline Nuttall
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Alan Saji
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Charlotte Cluff
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Christopher Wilcox
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ingrid Muller
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | | | - Irene Soulsby
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Miriam Santer
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Buckler EJ, González ODJ, Ball GDC, Hamilton J, Ho J, Morrison KM, Mâsse LC. Recruiting families using social media versus pediatric obesity clinics: A secondary analysis of the Aim2Be RCT. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 133:107322. [PMID: 37661006 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruitment of participants continues to be a challenge that researchers must overcome to yield successful study results. Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of social media platforms to recruit research participants. We conducted a secondary analysis of the Aim2Be randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine if there was variability between participants recruited via social media versus pediatric obesity clinics. METHODS Parents and their children living with overweight or obesity were recruited through social media (i.e., Facebook advertisements) (n = 119) or pediatric obesity management clinics (n = 95) to participate in the Aim2Be RCT. We compared recruitment costs, recruitment rate, participant retention, intervention engagement, obesity-related risk factors, and behavioral habits. RESULTS Facebook recruitment resulted in more participant contacts, but higher attrition during 'high effort' stages of the recruitment process. Group differences emerged regarding costs (Facebook: $407 versus clinics: $699). There were no group differences in participant retention or intervention engagement. Families recruited from Facebook were younger parents (42.6 versus 46.0 years; p < 0.001) and children (12.2 versus 13.9 years; p < 0.001), a higher percentage male children, and fewer had previously participated in a pediatric weight management program. Parents recruited from Facebook self-reported greater screen time for themselves, and their children reported lower physical activity levels and higher caloric and sugar intake. CONCLUSIONS Social media and clinical site recruitment are complementary strategies that appear to draw in families with different profiles, but regardless of how they were recruited, all families had the potential to benefit from pediatric obesity management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Jean Buckler
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, BC, Canada.
| | - Olivia De-Jongh González
- School of Population and Public Health, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada.
| | - Geoff D C Ball
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 11405-87 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Jill Hamilton
- Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
| | - Josephine Ho
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Katherine M Morrison
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre, 3A, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Louise C Mâsse
- School of Population and Public Health, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Auwal FI, Copeland C, Clark EJ, Naraynassamy C, McClelland GR. A systematic review of models of patient engagement in the development and life cycle management of medicines. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103702. [PMID: 37453460 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
There is currently no universally agreed code of practice for patient engagement (PE), and existing guidelines do not fully cover the scope across medicine development and subsequent life cycle management. This review conceptualises the meaning and summarises the current models of PE. A systematic literature review was conducted and analysed by thematic synthesis. Eight themes were identified as components of how to achieve meaningful PE, and five were identified for where to engage with patients in drug development. This review provides summative guidance for stakeholders intending to introduce PE and establishes a starting point for the development of a universal code of practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F I Auwal
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, King's College London, London, UK; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
| | - C Copeland
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - E J Clark
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - C Naraynassamy
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - G R McClelland
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lang S, Day K, Gallaher E, Jebeile H, Collins CE, Baur LA, Truby H. Participant recruitment for paediatric research using social media: A practical 'how-to' guide for researchers. Nutr Diet 2023; 80:338-350. [PMID: 37154014 PMCID: PMC10952907 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM Social media platforms are being increasingly used to support participant recruitment into paediatric health-related research. This study aimed to develop a multi-phase approach for using social media as a recruitment strategy for paediatric research studies. METHODS The process was informed by the authors' prior experiences recruiting for paediatric obesity-related research studies, expertise in social media marketing and digital participant/ patient recruitment. Reflection on these experiences resulted in the iterative creation of a draft process which was further refined. A narrative literature review using a structured search was conducted to refine and augment the content and finalise the process. RESULTS A six-phase recruitment approach was developed that includes: (i) plan for social media use as a recruitment strategy, (ii) explore relevant ethical considerations to protect the wellbeing of potentially vulnerable groups and create an ethical management plan, (iii) identify and understand the different target audiences and develop the advertising strategy, (iv) develop and design campaign content, (v) implement, monitor and iteratively refine the recruitment campaign, (vi) evaluate the campaign success. Potential activities and key considerations relevant for paediatric research are presented within each phase. CONCLUSION Due to the widespread use and diverse characteristics of social media users, social media has the potential to disseminate details of research opportunities to community members who may otherwise not hear about, engage with, and potentially benefit from research participation. Researchers should collaborate with communication experts and target audiences to generate relevant and effective recruitment campaigns. Researchers should implement processes to protect vulnerable audiences' wellbeing at each stage of the process. Recruitment via social media may support wider community participation in research studies designed to improve young people's health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lang
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical SciencesMonash UniversityNotting HillAustralia
| | - Kaitlin Day
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical SciencesMonash UniversityNotting HillAustralia
- School of Agriculture and FoodFaculty of Science, University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | | | - Hiba Jebeile
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneyWestmeadAustralia
- The Children's Hospital at WestmeadInstitute of Endocrinology and DiabetesWestmeadAustralia
| | - Clare E. Collins
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleNewcastleAustralia
- Food and Nutrition Research ProgramHunter Medical Research InstituteRankin ParkAustralia
| | - Louise A. Baur
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneyWestmeadAustralia
- Weight Management ServicesThe Children's Hospital at WestmeadWestmeadAustralia
| | - Helen Truby
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Matthews S, Just J, Jennings G, Bray J, Lewis J, Buttery A. Can a Targeted Social Media Campaign Increase Reach of, and Engagement With, Heart Failure Self-Management Resources in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities in Victoria, Australia? An Evaluation Including Cost. Heart Lung Circ 2023; 32:1089-1095. [PMID: 37455208 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.06.724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study investigates whether a targeted social media campaign increases reach and engagement of heart failure self-management educational resources among culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Victoria, Australia. METHODS A targeted six-week Facebook social media campaign (from 3 October 2022 to 13 November 2022) was performed using the Precision Public Health Framework. Animated heart failure educational videos were developed, translated, and publicised among Mandarin-, Vietnamese- and English-speaking communities in Victoria, Australia. Data from Facebook, Google Analytics and social marketing costs were analysed. An independent, two sample t-test was applied to investigate differences in the performance (views and cost-per-click) of the English and translated Mandarin and Vietnamese social media campaigns. Webpage views (of the promoted heart failure webpage) during the campaign were compared to the same period 12 months prior. RESULTS A total of 664,434 English and 182,294 translated Vietnamese and Mandarin video advertisements were placed and seen in individuals' social media feeds (impressions) over the six weeks. Per capita reach was proportionally higher for Vietnamese and Mandarin video advertisements (54% versus 15%). The percentage of those who watched the educational video in the social media posts, for at least 15 seconds (a 'ThruPlay'), was significantly higher in Mandarin and Vietnamese-speaking communities (75% versus 40% among the English-speaking community p<0.0001). However, those viewing in English had significantly longer engagement and watched at least half of the video (2.5% versus Vietnamese and Mandarin viewers (0.31%), p<0.0001). The click-through rate and cost-per-click were significantly higher for the translated social media posts compared with the English (0.77% vs 0.62%, p=0.0185 and AUD$4.48 vs AUD$3.22, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION A targeted six-week Facebook social media campaign using translated video animations in Vietnamese and Mandarin had significantly higher reach, initial views (first 15 seconds) and higher click-through rates, but fewer views of at least half of the video, compared with the Facebook English videos. Higher costs-per-click were associated with the translated campaign. Further research is needed to understand the extent that social media translated campaigns can influence health behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Matthews
- National Heart Foundation of Australia, Docklands, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital, Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
| | - Jasmine Just
- National Heart Foundation of Australia, Docklands, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Garry Jennings
- National Heart Foundation of Australia, Docklands, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School, Sydney, NSW
| | - Janet Bray
- Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Jesse Lewis
- National Heart Foundation of Australia, Docklands, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Amanda Buttery
- National Heart Foundation of Australia, Docklands, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tsaltskan V, Sanchez Baez R, Firestein GS. Cost-effectiveness of social media advertising as a recruitment tool: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e180. [PMID: 37745929 PMCID: PMC10514690 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recruitment of study participants is challenging and can incur significant costs. Social media advertising is a promising method for recruiting clinical studies and may improve cost efficiency by targeting populations likely to match a study's qualifications. Prior systematic reviews of social media as a recruitment tool have been favourable, however, there are no meta-analyses of its cost-effectiveness. Methods Studies evaluating recruitment costs through social media and non-social media methods were identified on MEDLINE and EMBASE. Articles were screened through a two-step process in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Cost data were extracted from selected articles and meta-analyzed using the Mantel-Haenszel method. The primary outcome was the relative cost-effectiveness of social media compared to non-social media recruitment, defined as the odds ratio of recruiting a participant per US dollar spent. The secondary outcome was the cost-effectiveness of social media recruitment compared to other online recruitment methods only. Results In total, 23 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The odds ratio of recruiting a participant through social media advertising compared to non-social media methods per dollar spent was 1.97 [95% CI 1.24-3.00, P = 0.004]. The odds ratio of recruiting a participant through social media compared to other online methods only was 1.66 [95% CI 1.02-2.72, P = 0.04]. Conclusions Social media advertising may be more cost-effective than other methods of recruitment, however, the magnitude of cost-effectiveness is highly variable between studies. There are limited data on newer social media platforms and on difficult-to-reach populations such as non-English speakers or older individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Tsaltskan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roel Sanchez Baez
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gary S. Firestein
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Meksawasdichai S, Lerksuthirat T, Ongphiphadhanakul B, Sriphrapradang C. Perspectives and Experiences of Patients With Thyroid Cancer at a Global Level: Retrospective Descriptive Study of Twitter Data. JMIR Cancer 2023; 9:e48786. [PMID: 37531163 PMCID: PMC10433024 DOI: 10.2196/48786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twitter has become a popular platform for individuals to broadcast their daily experiences and opinions on a wide range of topics and emotions. Tweets from patients with cancer could offer insights into their needs. However, limited research has been conducted using Twitter data to understand the needs of patients with cancer despite the substantial amount of health-related data posted on the platform daily. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to uncover the potential of using Twitter data to understand the perspectives and experiences of patients with thyroid cancer at a global level. METHODS This retrospective descriptive study collected tweets relevant to thyroid cancer in 2020 using the Twitter scraping tool. Only English-language tweets were included, and data preprocessing was performed to remove irrelevant tweets, duplicates, and retweets. Both tweets and Twitter users were manually classified into various groups based on the content. Each tweet underwent sentiment analysis and was classified as either positive, neutral, or negative. RESULTS A total of 13,135 tweets related to thyroid cancer were analyzed. The authors of the tweets included patients with thyroid cancer (3225 tweets, 24.6%), patient's families and friends (2449 tweets, 18.6%), medical journals and media (1733 tweets, 13.2%), health care professionals (1093 tweets, 8.3%), and medical health organizations (940 tweets, 7.2%), respectively. The most discussed topics related to living with cancer (3650 tweets, 27.8%), treatment (2891 tweets, 22%), diagnosis (1613 tweets, 12.3%), risk factors and prevention (1137 tweets, 8.7%), and research (953 tweets, 7.3%). An average of 36 tweets pertaining to thyroid cancer were posted daily. Notably, the release of a film addressing thyroid cancer and the public disclosure of a news reporter's personal diagnosis of thyroid cancer resulted in a significant escalation in the volume of tweets. From the sentiment analysis, 53.5% (7025/13,135) of tweets were classified as neutral statements and 32.7% (4299/13,135) of tweets expressed negative emotions. Tweets from patients with thyroid cancer had the highest proportion of negative emotion (1385/3225 tweets, 42.9%), particularly when discussing symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights on using Twitter data as a valuable data source to understand the experiences of patients with thyroid cancer. Twitter may provide an opportunity to improve patient and physician engagement or apply as a potential research data source.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sununtha Meksawasdichai
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tassanee Lerksuthirat
- Research Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Chutintorn Sriphrapradang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Okpara C, Ioannidis G, Thabane L, Adachi JD, Rabinovich A, Hewston P, Lee J, McArthur C, Kennedy C, Woo T, Boulos P, Bobba R, Wang M, Thrall S, Mangin D, Marr S, Armstrong D, Patterson C, Bray S, de Wit K, Maharaj S, Misiaszek B, Sookhoo JB, Thompson K, Papaioannou A. The Geras virtual frailty rehabilitation program to build resilience in older adults with frailty during COVID-19: a randomized feasibility trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:124. [PMID: 37461117 PMCID: PMC10351184 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated the risk for poor physical and mental health outcomes among vulnerable older adults. Multicomponent interventions could potentially prevent or reduce the risk of becoming frail; however, there is limited evidence about utilizing alternative modes of delivery where access to in-person care may be challenging. This randomized feasibility trial aimed to understand how a multicomponent rehabilitation program can be delivered remotely to vulnerable older adults with frailty during the pandemic. METHODS Participants were randomized to either a multimodal or socialization arm. Over a 12-week intervention period, the multimodal group received virtual care at home, which included twice-weekly exercise in small group physiotherapy-led live-streamed sessions, nutrition counselling and protein supplementation, medication consultation via a videoconference app, and once-weekly phone calls from student volunteers, while the socialization group received only once-weekly phone calls from the volunteers. The RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) framework was used to evaluate the feasibility of the program. The main clinical outcomes were change in the 5-times sit-to-stand test (5 × STS) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) scores. The feasibility outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and expressed as frequencies and mean percent with corresponding confidence intervals (CI). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for the effectiveness component. RESULTS The program enrolled 33% (n = 72) of referrals to the study (n = 220), of whom 70 were randomized. Adoption rates from different referral sources were community self-referrals (60%), community organizations (33%), and healthcare providers (25%). At the provider level, implementation rates varied from 75 to 100% for different aspects of program delivery. Participant's adherence levels included virtual exercise sessions 81% (95% CI: 75-88%), home-based exercise 50% (95% CI: 38-62%), protein supplements consumption 68% (95% CI: 55-80%), and medication optimization 38% (95% CI: 21-59%). Most participants (85%) were satisfied with the program. There were no significant changes in clinical outcomes between the two arms. CONCLUSION The GERAS virtual frailty rehabilitation study for community-dwelling older adults living with frailty was feasible in terms of reach of participants, adoption across referral settings, adherence to implementation, and participant's intention to maintain the program. This program could be feasibly delivered to improve access to socially isolated older adults where barriers to in-person participation exist. However, trials with larger samples and longer follow-up are required to demonstrate effectiveness and sustained behavior change. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04500366. Registered August 5, 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04500366.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinenye Okpara
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - George Ioannidis
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Geras Centre for Aging Research, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- The Research Institute of St Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Patricia Hewston
- Geras Centre for Aging Research, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Justin Lee
- Geras Centre for Aging Research, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Caitlin McArthur
- Geras Centre for Aging Research, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON Canada
- School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada
| | - Courtney Kennedy
- Geras Centre for Aging Research, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Tricia Woo
- Geras Centre for Aging Research, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Pauline Boulos
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Raja Bobba
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Mimi Wang
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Samuel Thrall
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Derelie Mangin
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Sharon Marr
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - David Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | | | - Steven Bray
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Kerstin de Wit
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON Canada
| | - Shyam Maharaj
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Brian Misiaszek
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | | | - Karen Thompson
- Geras Centre for Aging Research, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Alexandra Papaioannou
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Geras Centre for Aging Research, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Duus Holm Z, Zibert JR, Thomsen SF, Isberg AP, Andersen AD, Ali Z. Rapid Web-Based Recruitment of Patients With Psoriasis: Multinational Cohort Study. JMIR DERMATOLOGY 2023; 6:e44405. [PMID: 37632941 PMCID: PMC10335121 DOI: 10.2196/44405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wide-ranging patient recruitment not restricted to the location of the investigator will provide a better representation of the patient population in clinical studies. OBJECTIVE Our goal was to assess the feasibility of a broad web-based recruitment strategy in an 8-week observational study of 500 study participants with psoriasis and healthy controls from locations remote from the investigator and to assess the cost associated with each participant. METHODS A decentralized team in Denmark recruited patients with psoriasis and healthy controls using Google and Facebook advertisements and posts to Facebook groups. All individuals were screened via the internet, and patients diagnosed with psoriasis were included. Questionnaires regarding itch and sleep were completed by both groups at inclusion, week 4, and week 8. RESULTS During a 2-week recruitment period, 12,887 unique advertisement views were registered, and 839 participants were enrolled, of which 507 completed the study (220 with psoriasis and 287 healthy controls) with a retention rate of 60.4%. Participants were recruited from 11 different countries on 4 separate continents, mainly from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The recruitment rate was 59.9 participants per day, and the conversion rate was 57.2%. Recruitment costs were US $13 per enrolled participant and US $22 per participant completing the study. CONCLUSIONS It is feasible and rapid to recruit a large number of participants from locations different from the investigator and to retain patients in an observational study with no visits to a clinical site at low costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Duus Holm
- Studies&Me A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Dermato-Venereology and Wound Healing Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Simon Francis Thomsen
- Department of Dermato-Venereology and Wound Healing Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Zarqa Ali
- Department of Dermato-Venereology and Wound Healing Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sanusi IA, Arisoyin AE, Aruoture S, Folorunsho IL, Okereke OP, Adeyemo DA, Salawu MA, Okobi OE, Gupta A, Akunne HS, Patel R, Emmanuel O, Ezeudemba NC. Exploring the Prevalence and Factors Influencing Clinical Trial Awareness in US Adults with Self-Reported Depression and Anxiety. Cureus 2023; 15:e40780. [PMID: 37485134 PMCID: PMC10362504 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lack of clinical trial awareness is a crucial barrier to clinical trial enrollment. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and factors associated with clinical trial awareness among US adults with self-reported depression and anxiety. METHODS Data were collected from 896 adults who self-reported depression and anxiety from the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey. Multinomial logistic regression was utilized to assess predictors of clinical trial awareness, particularly socio-demographic, health-related, and technological variables. Odds ratios (OR) for the associations were reported. RESULTS About 60.4% of adults with self-reported depression or anxiety reported being aware of clinical trials. In the multivariable regression, education level, health-related social media use, and having access to a regular provider were all significantly associated with greater odds of clinical trial awareness among individuals with depression and/or anxiety. Specifically, individuals with at least some college education (OR 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.28-3.34; p = 0.004) were more likely to report awareness of clinical trials than those with less than a college education. Similarly, compared to those without access to health providers, individuals with depression and/or anxiety who had a regular provider had greater odds of clinical trial awareness (OR 2.23, 95% CI; 1.16-4.31; p = 0.017). Additionally, those who reported two or more health-related uses of social media were significantly more likely to report clinical trial awareness than their counterparts who reported no health-related social media use (OR 3.17, 95% CI; 1.48-6.80; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION Our study shows that about six in 10 adults with depression and anxiety in the United States were aware of clinical trials. However, some sub-groups of patients, particularly those without access to a regular health provider, those with a lower education level, and those with limited use of social media for health purposes, remain inadequately informed and may lack awareness of available clinical trials. These findings are crucial and identify subgroups of people with mental disorders that may benefit from targeted interventions to improve clinical trial awareness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shaw Aruoture
- Psychiatry, Behavioral Hospital Of Bellaire, Houston, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mujeeb A Salawu
- Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences, Ilorin, NGA
- Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, Houston Health Department, Houston, USA
| | - Okelue E Okobi
- Family Medicine, Medficient Health Systems, Laurel, USA
- Family Medicine, Lakeside Medical Center, Belle Glade, USA
| | - Akash Gupta
- Internal Medicine, Spartan Health Sciences University, Vieux Fort, LCA
| | | | - Radhey Patel
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Avalon University School of Medicine, Willemstad, CUW
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lepage S, Conway A, Goodson N, Wicks P, Flight L, Devane D. Online randomised trials with children: A scoping review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280965. [PMID: 37228143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paediatric trials must contend with many challenges that adult trials face but often bring additional obstacles. Decentralised trials, where some or all trial methods occur away from a centralised location, are a promising strategy to help meet these challenges. This scoping review aims to (a) identify what methods and tools have been used to create and conduct entirely online-decentralised trials with children and (b) determine the gaps in the knowledge in this field. This review will describe the methods used in these trials to identify their facilitators and the gaps in the knowledge. METHODS The methods were informed by guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute and the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. We systematically searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Embase databases, trial registries, pre-print servers, and the internet. We included randomised and quasi-randomised trials conducted entirely online with participants under 18 published in English. A risk of bias assessment was completed for all included studies. RESULTS Twenty-one trials met our inclusion criteria. The average age of participants was 14.6 years. Social media was the most common method of online recruitment. Most trials employed an external host website to store and protect their data. Duration of trials ranged from single-session interventions up to ten weeks. Fourteen trials compensated participants. Eight trials involved children in their trial design process; none reported compensation for this. Most trials had a low risk of bias in "random sequence generation", "selective reporting", and "other". Most trials had a high risk of bias in "blinding participants and personnel", "blinding of outcome assessment", and "incomplete outcome data". "Allocation concealment" was unclear in most studies. CONCLUSIONS There was a lack of transparent reporting of the recruitment, randomisation, and retention methods used in many of the trials included in this review. Patient and public involvement (PPI) was not common, and the compensation of PPI partners was not reported in any study. Consent methods and protection against fraudulent entries to trials were creative and thoroughly discussed by some trials and not addressed by others. More work and thorough reporting of how these trials are conducted is needed to increase their reproducibility and quality. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was not necessary since all data sources used are publicly available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lepage
- Health Research Board-Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN), University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Aislinn Conway
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Noah Goodson
- Data & Analytics, Thread Research, Tustin, California, United States of America
| | - Paul Wicks
- Wicks Digital Health, Lichfield, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Flight
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Declan Devane
- Health Research Board-Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN), University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Goldman N, Willem T, Buyx A, Zimmermann BM. Practical Benefits, Challenges, and Recommendations on Social Media Recruitment: Multi-Stakeholder Interview Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44587. [PMID: 37213177 DOI: 10.2196/44587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing use of social media opens new opportunities for recruiting patients for research studies. However, systematic evaluations indicate that the success of social media recruitment in terms of cost-effectiveness and representativeness depends on the type of study and its purpose. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the practical benefits and challenges of recruiting study participants with social media in the context of clinical and nonclinical studies and provide a summary of expert advice on how to conduct social media-based recruitment. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with 6 patients with hepatitis B who use social media and 30 experts from the following disciplines: (1) social media researchers or social scientists, (2) practical experts for social media recruitment, (3) legal experts, (4) ethics committee members, and (5) clinical researchers. The interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS We found diverging expert opinions regarding the challenges and benefits of social media recruitment for research studies in four domains: (1) resources needed, (2) representativeness, (3) web-based community building, and (4) privacy considerations. Moreover, the interviewed experts provided practical advice on how to promote a research study via social media. CONCLUSIONS Even though recruitment strategies should always be sensitive to individual study contexts, a multiplatform approach (recruiting via several different social media platforms) with mixed-methods recruitment (web-based and offline recruitment channels) is the most beneficial recruitment strategy for many research studies. The different recruitment methods complement each other and may contribute to improving the reach of the study, the recruitment accrual, and the representativeness of the sample. However, it is important to assess the context- and project-specific appropriateness and usefulness of social media recruitment before designing the recruitment strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Goldman
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Immunology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Willem
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Immunology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alena Buyx
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Immunology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina M Zimmermann
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Immunology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gangl C, Krychtiuk K. Digital health-high tech or high touch? Wien Med Wochenschr 2023; 173:115-124. [PMID: 36602630 PMCID: PMC9813878 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-022-00991-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Digital transformation in medicine refers to the implementation of information technology-driven developments in the healthcare system and their impact on the way we teach, share, and practice medicine. We would like to provide an overview of current developments and opportunities but also of the risks of digital transformation in medicine. Therefore, we examine the possibilities wearables and digital biomarkers provide for early detection and monitoring of diseases and discuss the potential of artificial intelligence applications in medicine. Furthermore, we outline new opportunities offered by telemedicine applications and digital therapeutics, discuss the aspects of social media in healthcare, and provide an outlook on "Health 4.0."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Gangl
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Konstantin Krychtiuk
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Knowlson C, Tharmanathan P, Arundel C, James S, Flett L, Gascoyne S, Welch C, Warwick D, Dias J. Can learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic improve trial conduct post-pandemic? A case study of strategies used by the DISC trial. RESEARCH METHODS IN MEDICINE & HEALTH SCIENCES 2023; 4:50-60. [PMID: 38603296 PMCID: PMC9500425 DOI: 10.1177/26320843221128296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background RCTs often face issues such as slow recruitment, poor intervention adherence and high attrition, however the 2020/2021 COVID-19 pandemic intensified these challenges. Strategies employed by the DISC trial to overcome pandemic-related barriers to recruitment, treatment delivery and retention may be useful to help overcome routine problems. Methods A structured survey and teleconference with sites was undertaken. Key performance indicators in relation to recruitment, treatment delivery and retention were compared descriptively before and after the pandemic started. This was situated also in relation to qualitative opinions of research staff. Results Prior to the pandemic, retention was 93.6%. Increased support from the central trial management team and remote data collection methods kept retention rates high at 81.2% in the first 6 months of the pandemic, rising to 89.8% in the subsequent 6 months. Advertising the study to patients resulted in 12.8 patients/month enquiring about participation, however only six were referred to recruiting sites. Sites reported increased support from junior doctors resolved research nurse capacity issues. One site avoided long delays by using theatre space in a private hospital. Conclusions Recruitment post-pandemic could be improved by identification of barriers, increased support from junior doctors through the NIHR associate PI scheme and advertising. Remote back-up options for data collection can keep retention high while reducing patient and site burden. To future proof studies against similar disruptions and provide more flexibility for participants, we recommend that RCTs have a back-up option of remote recruitment, a back-up location for surgeries and flexible approaches to collecting data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sophie James
- Department of Health Sciences, York Trials Unit, York, UK
| | - Lydia Flett
- Department of Health Sciences, York Trials Unit, York, UK
| | | | - Charlie Welch
- Department of Health Sciences, York Trials Unit, York, UK
| | | | - Joseph Dias
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, York, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kushniruk A, Balapal N, Ankem A, Shyamsundar S, Balaji A, Kannikal J, Bruno M, He S, Chong P. Primary Perspectives in Meme Utilization as a Digital Driver for Medical Community Engagement and Education Mobilization: Pre-Post Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e40244. [PMID: 36705964 PMCID: PMC9919443 DOI: 10.2196/40244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Memes have gone "viral," gaining increasing prominence as an effective communications strategy based on their unique ability to engage, educate, and mobilize target audiences in a call to action through a cost-efficient and culturally relevant approach. Within the medical community in particular, visual media has evolved as a means to influence clinical knowledge transfer. To this end, the GetWaivered (GW) project has leveraged memes as part of a behavioral economics toolkit to address one of the most critical public health emergencies of our time-the 20-year opioid epidemic. As part of a multidimensional digital awareness campaign to increase Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-X waiver course registration, GW investigated the results of meme usage in terms of impressions, website traffic, and ultimately user acquisition, as determined by web-based training enrollment and attendance outcomes. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of implementing humor-based promotional content versus the traditional educational model, and how the translation of the increase in engagement would increase the participant count and website traffic for GW's remote DEA-X waiver training. METHODS The approach to this study was based on 2 time frames (pre- and postcampaign). During April-July 2021, we developed a campaign via advertisements on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the GW website to expand outreach. These memes targeted medical professionals with the ability to prescribe buprenorphine. The time frame of this campaign measured engagement metrics and compared values to preceding months (January-March 2021) for our GetWaivered website and social media pages, which translated to registrants for our remote DEA-X waiver training. RESULTS By the end of July 2021, a total of 9598 individuals had visited the GW website. There was an average of 79.3 visitors per day, with the lowest number of daily visitors being 0 and the highest being 575. CONCLUSIONS The use of memes may provide a medium for social media engagement (likes, comments, and shares) while influencing viewers to pursue a proposed action, such as e-training registration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Neha Balapal
- CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Amala Ankem
- Lab of Computer Science, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Adarsh Balaji
- American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Cupecoy, Netherlands
| | - Jasmine Kannikal
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Marlie Bruno
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shuhan He
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Center for Innovation in Digital HealthCare, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paul Chong
- Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lillington, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lander J, Heiberger A, Von Sommoggy J, Schulz AA, Dresch C, Altawil H, Schmitt G, Wirtz MA. Intentional and actional components of engaged participation in public health research studies: qualitative synthesis of a recruitment and retention process into the theory-informed INTACT-RS framework. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:17. [PMID: 36647023 PMCID: PMC9841138 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01838-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ensuring motivated and successful study participation is a key challenge in the design and conduct of health research studies. Previously, recruitment barriers and facilitators have been identified mainly from experience, and rarely based on theoretical approaches. We developed a framework of intentional and actional components of engaged participation in public health research studies (INTACT-RS), informed by psychological behavioral models. We aimed a) to identify precise indicators for each framework component and b) to better understand which components and decision processes are essential for study participants. METHODS Within a multicenter research network, we applied various approaches to recruit parents of newborns, pediatricians, and midwives. All recruitment processes were documented from the perspective of both participants and researchers. We used different qualitative and quantitative data material, which we applied in a multistage process according to the basic principles of qualitative content analysis. RESULTS INTACT-RS encompasses pre-intentional, intentional and actional phases with a total of n = 15 components covering all aspects of an individual's involvement with a research study. During intention formation, an understanding of efforts and benefits, why participation is valuable beyond contributing to research, and how others perceive the study, were particularly important to (potential) participants. Subsequently (intentional phase), participants consider how and when participation is compatible with their own resources, ability and availability, and hence seek for close communication with, and flexibility and support from the research team. During and after (initial) participation (actional phase), participants' assessment of whether expectations and interests have been met impact crucial further steps, especially the willingness to continue and to recommend participation to others. A strong topic-wise and or supportive participation interest as well as active, continuous exchange with the researchers appeared to be central determinants of study completion and data validity. CONCLUSIONS A theoretical framework is now available to plan and conduct recruitment of different target groups, which accounts for essential motivational and volitional decision-making processes. Based on empirically specified constructs, possible barriers can be addressed even before the initial recruitment process. Therefore, recommendations for scientific practice have been formulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Lander
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea Heiberger
- grid.461778.b0000 0000 9752 9146Research Methods in Health Sciences, Faculty for Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, University of Education Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Von Sommoggy
- grid.7727.50000 0001 2190 5763Medical Sociology, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anja Alexandra Schulz
- grid.461778.b0000 0000 9752 9146Research Methods in Health Sciences, Faculty for Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, University of Education Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Dresch
- grid.461778.b0000 0000 9752 9146Research Methods in Health Sciences, Faculty for Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, University of Education Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hala Altawil
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Gwendolyn Schmitt
- grid.461778.b0000 0000 9752 9146Public Health & Health Education, Faculty for Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, University of Education Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Markus Antonius Wirtz
- grid.461778.b0000 0000 9752 9146Research Methods in Health Sciences, Faculty for Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, University of Education Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Racial disparities in pancreatic cancer clinical trials: Defining the problem and identifying solutions. Adv Cancer Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
|
33
|
Parekh D, Patil VM, Nawale K, Noronha V, Menon N, More S, Goud S, Jain S, Mathrudev V, Peelay Z, Dhumal S, Jogdhankar S, Prabhash K, Prabhash K. Audit of screen failure in 15 randomised studies from a low and middle-income country. Ecancermedicalscience 2022; 16:1476. [PMID: 36819805 PMCID: PMC9934872 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2022.1476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Growth and development in patient management occurs via randomised studies. Screen failure is a significant hurdle while conducting randomised studies. There is limited data available from low and middle-income countries about factors resulting in screen failure. Hence, this audit was performed to identify the proportion of patients who screen failed and to elucidate reasons for the same. Methods This was an audit of 15 randomised studies performed by medical oncology solid tumour unit II of Tata Memorial Centre. The screening logs of these studies were acquired. From the screening logs, data regarding the number of patients who had screen failed & reason for the same were obtained. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results A total of 7,481 patients were screened for 15 randomised clinical studies. Out of these, 3,666 (49.0%) patients were enrolled into trials and 3,815 (51.0%) screen failed. The most common reason for screen failure was 'not meeting inclusion criteria' (54.9%) followed by declining to take treatment (22.2%). Other factors that affect enrolment were 'not willing to stay in the locality of the trial site' (6.2%), being recruited in other studies (3.7%), poor performance status (PS) (3.4%), non-compliance (2.2%), meeting exclusion criteria (0.9%) and 'other' (6.5%). Conclusion The commonest causes of screen failure in lower and middle-income countries are non-meeting of inclusion criteria followed by declining to take treatment, not willing to stay in locality of trial site, recruited into other studies, poor PS, non-compliance, meeting exclusion criteria & 'other'. This information would help analysing and hence planning of newer strategies to decrease the rate of screen failure.
Collapse
|
34
|
Luo T, Li MS, Williams D, Fritz J, Beiter K, Phillippi S, Yu Q, Kantrow S, Chen L, Chen Y, Tseng TS. A WeChat-based smoking cessation intervention for Chinese smokers: a feasibility study. Transl Behav Med 2022; 12:1018-1027. [PMID: 36130313 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibac067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
WeChat is the largest social media platform in China, yet few WeChat-based smoking cessation interventions have been investigated to date. The objective of this study was to develop and test the feasibility of a WeChat-based smoking cessation intervention for smokers in China. Participants were recruited using WeChat and were then randomized into one of three groups: the Standard Group, the Enhanced Group, and the wait-list Control Group. Feasibility indicators including program reach, recruitment rate, recruitment efficiency, cost per person, attrition rate, intervention message exposure, group discussion utilization rate, intervention message engagement, satisfaction, and the likelihood of recommending to others were measured with assessed. Analyses included Chi-square and Fisher exact test, as well as analysis of variance test. A responsive participant is defined as a participant that responded to a certain assessment. A total of 1,132 individuals connected with ("friended") our project on WeChat between July 1 and August 5, 2019. Of these, 403 were eligible to participate, consented, and completed the baseline assessment. As a result, 136, 135, and 132 smokers were randomly assigned to the Standard Group, the Enhanced Group, and the Control Group, respectively. The total program recruitment rate was 35.6% and the attrition rate was 46.4%. The program cost was $0.85 per person. All responsive participants read at least one message during the intervention and engaged with intervention messages 56.8% of the time. Most responsive participants reported being very or somewhat satisfied, highly or somewhat engaged, and were willing to recommend our program to others. This study demonstrated the feasibility of a smoking cessation interventions using WeChat. The program could be expanded to deliver smoking cessation interventions to a large population of smokers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Luo
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92122, USA.,Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| | - Mirandy S Li
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA.,School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| | - Donna Williams
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| | - Jackson Fritz
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA.,School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| | - Kaylin Beiter
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA.,School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| | - Stephen Phillippi
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| | - Qingzhao Yu
- Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| | - Stephen Kantrow
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| | - Liwei Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 900095, USA
| | - Yongchun Chen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Tung Sung Tseng
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Engelmann P, Löwe B, Hüsing P. From the identification of biopsychosocial risk factors to an increase in pain-related self-efficacy (IDRIS) - The online-based conveyance of an explanatory model for chronic back pain: Study protocol of a cohort multiple randomized controlled trial. Internet Interv 2022; 30:100582. [PMID: 36386403 PMCID: PMC9640321 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Back pain has a high global prevalence and carries a substantial risk for chronification. Biopsychosocial factors are assumed to be critical in the transition from acute to chronic back pain. Digital interventions are a promising tool to educate patients about their complaints. Thus, providing patients with an explanatory model regarding their individual risk factors in the early stage of their complaints via the internet might thus be a valuable approach in treatment. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the present online study are to investigate the influence of a personalized psychoeducational intervention on self-efficacy and functioning and to examine biopsychosocial risk factors for symptom chronification. The intervention is based on a current model summarizing the empirical knowledge on relevant factors for persistent somatic symptoms, which has not been studied in back pain patients yet. METHODS An observational cohort of patients with acute and subacute back pain (N = 564) will be asked about biopsychosocial risk factors via online survey at baseline, 4-week, and 12-week follow-up. Within this cohort, a randomly selected group of 132 participants (intervention group) with psychological burden (MCS-12 score of the SF-12 ≤ 50) and relevant somatic symptom intensity and interference (mean sum score of two numeric rating scales ≥5) and no prior psychotherapeutic treatment will be offered a personalized explanatory model in the form of an animated psychoeducational video. The video will be personalized in terms of participants' individual symptom profile and will be made accessible to watch online for 7 days. Participants will be compared to a control group receiving no treatment regarding change in pain-specific self-efficacy after 1 month as primary outcome, and change in functioning after 1 and 3 months, respectively, as secondary outcomes. Acceptance and usefulness of the intervention will be evaluated using the number of video views and a numeric rating scale. DISCUSSION This is the first investigation of a personalized, video-animated online psychoeducation based on patients' individual risk factors for the chronification of back pain and the first systematic evaluation of the risk factors included in a comprehensive aetiological model on persistent somatic symptoms in back pain patients. This way, this study contributes to the understanding of cross-disorder psychopathological factors and a stronger consideration of biopsychosocial factors in the treatment of persistent somatic symptoms. If proven effective, the internet-based intervention will make an important contribution to the early treatment of back pain. ETHICAL APPROVAL The study was approved by the Local Psychological Ethics Committee (LPEK) at the Center for Psychosocial Medicine of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register in December 2021 (registration trial number: DRKS00025445).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Engelmann
- Corresponding author at: Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hrincu V, An Z, Joseph K, Jiang YF, Robillard JM. Dementia Research on Facebook and Twitter: Current Practice and Challenges. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 90:447-459. [PMID: 36155513 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media is a powerful tool for engaging diverse audiences in dementia research. However, there is little data summarizing current content exchange in this context. OBJECTIVE To inform ethical dementia research engagement on social media, we characterized current practices by analyzing public social media posts. METHODS We retrieved Facebook (2-year period, N = 7,896) and Twitter (1-year period, N = 9,323) posts containing dementia research-related keywords using manual and machine learning-based search strategies. We performed qualitative and quantitative content and sentiment analyses on random samples (10%) of the posts. RESULTS Top Facebook users were advocacy (45%) and health organizations (25%). On Twitter, academics/researchers were the largest user group. Prevention was the most frequently coded theme (Facebook 30%; Twitter 26%), followed by treatment (Facebook 15%; Twitter 18%). Diagnostics had the highest Facebook engagement. Sharing knowledge was the primary form of content exchange (Facebook 63%; Twitter 80%). Most shared journal articles were peer-reviewed and open access. Emotional tone was overall more positive on Facebook. Justice was a prominent ethics topic regarding inequalities related to identity and intersecting modes of marginalization in dementia research. CONCLUSION The findings indicate the importance of social media as an engagement tool of current topics in health research and reveal areas of potential for increased engagement. These data can inform consensus-based best practices for ethical social media application in dementia research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viorica Hrincu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zijian An
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth Joseph
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Yu Fei Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julie M Robillard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's and Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Doley JR, Rodgers RF, Paxton SJ, McLean SA. Effectiveness of recruitment strategies for a social media literacy E-intervention for young adults with body dissatisfaction: cost, time, diversity, and completion. Eat Disord 2022; 30:515-539. [PMID: 34402410 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2021.1938855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Digital interventions are becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. However, participant recruitment to online interventions poses a challenge. This study examined differences between a variety of recruitment strategies to a digital intervention in terms of number of participants recruited, cost, study personnel time, completion rates, and demographic characteristics of participants.Participants (N = 395) aged 18-25 years (79.5% women) were recruited to take part in an online body image intervention and asked how they heard about the program (e.g., through Facebook, a flyer on a university campus). Strategies of recruitment, including researcher time required and cost were recorded throughout the project. Cost and time effectiveness, study and intervention completion rates, and participant demographics for each recruitment approach were explored.Facebook paid advertising recruited n = 241 participants (78.0% women), with $29.81 cost per completer, and researcher time per completer at 2.41 minutes. Facebook unpaid advertising was also effective, recruiting n = 130 participants (78.5% women), with $0.00 external cost per completer, and time per completer at 20.43 minutes. Other strategies, both online and face-to-face, were far less effective in recruiting participants. Men proved difficult to recruit using any strategy.Facebook advertising was an effective tool for recruiting young adults to this online intervention, although further research should identify effective strategies to recruit men for similar interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Rachel Doley
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Florence Rodgers
- Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Susan Jessica Paxton
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Siân Alexandra McLean
- School of Psychology and Public Health, The Bouverie Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Deckler E, Ferland M, Brazis S, Mayer MR, Carlson M, Kantrowitz JT. Challenges and Strategies for the Recruitment of Patients With Schizophrenia in a Research Setting. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:924-932. [PMID: 36037521 PMCID: PMC9452184 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With numerous potentially novel targets and pharmacodynamic biomarkers for schizophrenia entering late-stage testing, the next decade will bring an urgent need for well-conducted clinical trials. A critically important step for the successful execution of clinical research trials is timely and appropriate recruitment of participants. Patients with schizophrenia can be especially challenging to recruit because of the disability inherent in psychotic spectrum disorders. Research on how best to recruit for clinical trials is understudied. Clearly defining a model for recruitment procedures would be valuable for researchers and, by extension, the patient populations that may benefit from the insight gained by future clinical research. METHODS This article aims to offer suggestions for recruitment based on years of experience at the Columbia Schizophrenia Research Clinic (CSRC), a hub for clinical trials focusing on the etiology and treatment of various psychotic disorders. RESULTS The present report provides practical, step-by-step recommendations for implementing the highly effective CSRC recruitment model, including the benefits of 2 recruitment initiatives that were instituted in 2018: hiring a dedicated recruiter and targeted chart reviews at affiliated clinics. Other topics discussed include our umbrella protocol and database, advertising, and tips for collaborating with external sites. CONCLUSIONS Despite ongoing complications from coronavirus disease 2019, these strategies have been successful, increasing the rate of both consents and study enrollments by approximately 40% and enabling the CSRC to conduct multiple studies simultaneously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marlene Carlson
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA,Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joshua T Kantrowitz
- Correspondence: Joshua Kantrowitz MD, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032 ()
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Higgins KA, Thomas A, Soto N, Paulus R, George TJ, Julian TB, Hartson Stine S, Markham MJ, Werner-Wasik M. Creating and Implementing a Principal Investigator Tool Kit for Enhancing Accrual to Late Phase Clinical Trials: Development and Usability Study. JMIR Cancer 2022; 8:e38514. [PMID: 36006678 PMCID: PMC9459930 DOI: 10.2196/38514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accrual to oncology clinical trials remains a challenge, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. For late phase clinical trials funded by the National Cancer Institute, the development of these research protocols is a resource-intensive process; however, mechanisms to optimize patient accrual after trial activation are underdeveloped across the National Clinical Trial Network (NCTN). Low patient accrual can lead to the premature closure of clinical trials and can ultimately delay the availability of new, potentially life-saving therapies in oncology. Objective The purpose of this study is to formally create an easily implemented tool kit of resources for investigators of oncology clinical trials within the NCTN, specifically the NRG Oncology cooperative group, in order to optimize patient accrual. Methods NRG Oncology sought to formally develop a tool kit of resources to use at specific time points during the lifetime of NRG Oncology clinical trials. The tools are clearly described and involve the facilitation of engagement of the study principal investigator with the scientific and patient advocate community during the planning, activation, and accrual periods. Social media tools are also leveraged to enhance such engagement. The principal investigator (PI) tool kit was created in 2019 and thereafter piloted with the NRG Oncology/Alliance NRG-LU005 phase II or III trial in small-cell lung cancer. The PI tool kit was developed by the NRG Oncology Protocol Operations Management committee and was tested with the NRG/Alliance LU005 randomized trial within the NCTN. Results NRG Oncology/Alliance NRG-LU005 has seen robust enrollment, currently 127% of the projected accrual. Importantly, many of the tool kit elements are already being used in ongoing NRG Oncology trials, with 56% of active NRG trials using at least one element of the PI tool kit and all in-development trials offered the resource. This underscores the feasibility and potential benefits of deploying the PI tool kit across all NRG Oncology trials moving forward. Conclusions While clinical trial accrual can be challenging, the PI tool kit has been shown to augment accrual in a low-cost and easily implementable fashion. It could be widely and consistently deployed across the NCTN to improve accrual in oncology clinical trials. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03811002; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03811002
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin A Higgins
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Alexandra Thomas
- Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Nancy Soto
- NRG Oncology Operations Center, American College of Radiology, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rebecca Paulus
- NRG Oncology Statistics and Data Management Center, American College of Radiology, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Thomas J George
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Thomas B Julian
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sharon Hartson Stine
- NRG Operations Center, American College of Radiology, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Maria Werner-Wasik
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Williams T, Alexander S, Blackstone J, De Angelis F, John N, Doshi A, Beveridge J, Braisher M, Gray E, Chataway J. Optimising recruitment in clinical trials for progressive multiple sclerosis: observational analysis from the MS-SMART and MS-STAT2 randomised controlled trials. Trials 2022; 23:644. [PMID: 35945550 PMCID: PMC9361231 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06588-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Slower than planned recruitment is a major factor contributing to the delay or failure of randomised controlled trials to report on time. There is a limited evidence base regarding the optimisation of recruitment strategies. Here we performed an observational review of our experience in recruitment for two large randomised controlled trials for people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. We aimed to explicitly determine those factors which can facilitate trial recruitment in progressive neurodegenerative disease. METHODS Recruitment data from the sequential MS-SMART [NCT01910259] and MS-STAT2 [NCT03387670] UK randomised controlled trials was reviewed from the largest recruiting site, University College London (UCL). The trial population was similar which allowed comparison over the two recruitment periods of 2015-2016 and 2018-2021. This included sources of referral, progress through stages of recruitment, reasons for participant ineligibility and the impact of publicity events upon recruitment. RESULTS In MS-SMART, 18% of patients contacted were enrolled, compared to 27% for MS-STAT2. Online registration of interest portals provided the greatest number of referrals (76% in MS-SMART, and 51% in MS-STAT2), with publicity in national media outlets producing a demonstrable increase in the number of potential participants. The introduction of an online self-screening questionnaire for MS-STAT2 resulted in 67% of potential participants (3080 of 4605) automatically determining their own ineligibility. In both studies, however, around 60% of those directly telephoned to discuss the study were not eligible, with difficulties related to travel to trial visits, or excluded medication, being the most common issues. Eighty-four percent of those deemed potentially eligible following telephone calls were enrolled in the MS-STAT2 study, compared to only 55% for MS-SMART. CONCLUSIONS Through a detailed review of recruiting participants at the largest centre into two large randomised controlled trials with similar entry criteria, we have identified a number of approaches that may improve recruitment efficiency. We highlight here the importance of mandatory online self-screening questionnaires, a coordinated publicity campaign, and simple interventions such as eligibility checklists and appointment reminders. Recruitment approaches should be further assessed through a studies within a trial (SWAT) design. TRIAL REGISTRATION MS-SMART: NCT01910259 ; registered July 2013 and MS-STAT2: NCT03387670 ; registered Jan 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Williams
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1B 5EH, UK.
| | - Sarah Alexander
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1B 5EH, UK
| | - James Blackstone
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Floriana De Angelis
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1B 5EH, UK
| | - Nevin John
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1B 5EH, UK
| | - Anisha Doshi
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1B 5EH, UK
| | - Judy Beveridge
- MS-STAT2 Trial Patient and Public Involvement Committee, London, UK
| | - Marie Braisher
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1B 5EH, UK
| | - Emma Gray
- Multiple Sclerosis Society (UK), Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London, UK
| | - Jeremy Chataway
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1B 5EH, UK.,National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals, Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.,Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Darko EM, Kleib M, Olson J. Social Media Use for Research Participant Recruitment: Integrative Literature Review. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e38015. [PMID: 35925655 PMCID: PMC9389385 DOI: 10.2196/38015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media tools have provided health researchers with the opportunity to engage with communities and groups in a nonconventional manner to recruit participants for health research. Using social media to advertise research opportunities and recruit participants facilitates accessibility to participants from broad geographical areas and diverse populations. However, little guidance is provided by ethics review boards for researchers to effectively use this recruitment method in their research. OBJECTIVE This study sought to explore the literature on the use of social media for participant recruitment for research studies and identify the best practices for recruiting participants using this method. METHODS An integrative review approach was used to synthesize the literature. A total of 5 health sciences databases, namely, EMBASE (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid and EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier), and CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCOhost), were searched using predefined keywords and inclusion and exclusion criteria. The initial search was conducted in October 2020 and was updated in February 2022. Descriptive and content analyses were applied to synthesize the results, and the findings are presented in a narrative and tabular format. RESULTS A total of 96 records were included in this review, 83 (86%) from the initial search and 13 (14%) from the updated search. The publication year ranged between 2011 and 2022, with most publications (63/96, 66%) being from the United States. Regarding recruitment strategy, 45% (43/96) of the studies exclusively used social media, whereas 51% (49/96) used social media in conjunction with other strategies. The remaining 4% (4/96) provided guidelines and recommendations for social media recruitment. Notably, 38% (36/96) of these studies involved hard-to-reach populations. The findings also revealed that the use of social media is a cost-effective and efficient strategy for recruiting research participants. Despite the expanded use across different populations, there is limited participation of older adults in social media recruitment. CONCLUSIONS This review provides important insights into the current use of social media for health research participant recruitment. Ethics boards and research support services in academic institutions are encouraged to explicitly provide researchers with guidelines on the use of social media for health research participant recruitment. A preliminary guideline prepared based on the findings of this review is proposed to spark further development in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Mirekuwaa Darko
- College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Manal Kleib
- College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Joanne Olson
- College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Tsaltskan V, Nguyen K, Eaglin C, Holers VM, Deane KD, Firestein GS. Comparison of Web-Based Advertising and a Social Media Platform as Recruitment Tools for Underserved and Hard-to-Reach Populations in Rheumatology Clinical Research. ACR Open Rheumatol 2022; 4:623-630. [PMID: 35536990 PMCID: PMC9274346 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Traditional nondigital methods of participant recruitment for clinical research studies in rheumatology can be costly and inefficient, particularly for recruitment of underserved populations. We aimed to address this need by evaluating two methods of online recruitment to an observational cohort of individuals at risk for rheumatoid arthritis, namely web and Facebook advertisements. Methods A 3‐month countywide web‐based recruitment campaign was conducted consisting of text and image‐based advertisements. Similar advertisements were subsequently displayed on Facebook, initially in English for 5 months and later in Spanish for an additional 3 months. Individuals who clicked on advertisements were directed to a website landing page containing study information and could contact study personnel to schedule testing for anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide‐3 (CCP3). The primary outcome measure for each campaign was the click‐through rate. Results During the web campaign, 413,289 advertisement impressions were displayed, resulting in 428 clicks (click‐through rate 0.10%) and only one screened participant. During the English Facebook campaign, 724,815 advertisements were displayed with 6765 clicks (click‐through rate 0.93%) and 43 screened participants, significantly greater than the web campaign (P < 0.001). During the Spanish advertisement campaign, 255,730 Spanish advertisements were displayed, resulting in a click‐through rate of 2.09% and 24 screened participants, a significantly higher rate than English advertisements. Of participants recruited through social media, 94% were female and 29.8% were Spanish speakers. Conclusion Facebook advertisements were superior to web advertisements for participant recruitment. Spanish Facebook advertisements had a greater click‐through rate than English Facebook advertisements. Facebook was an effective recruitment method, particularly for Spanish speakers.
Collapse
|
43
|
Mirza M, Siebert S, Pratt A, Insch E, McIntosh F, Paton J, Wright C, Buckley CD, Isaacs J, McInnes IB, Raza K, Falahee M. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on recruitment to clinical research studies in rheumatology. Musculoskeletal Care 2022; 20:209-213. [PMID: 33938621 PMCID: PMC8242596 DOI: 10.1002/msc.1561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mazin Mirza
- Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS TrustBirminghamUK
| | - Stefan Siebert
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and InflammationUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre (RACE)Versus ArthritisUK
| | - Arthur Pratt
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre (RACE)Versus ArthritisUK
- Translational and Clinical Research InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Elspeth Insch
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre (RACE)Versus ArthritisUK
| | - Frances McIntosh
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre (RACE)Versus ArthritisUK
| | - John Paton
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre (RACE)Versus ArthritisUK
| | - Claire Wright
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and InflammationUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre (RACE)Versus ArthritisUK
| | - Christopher D. Buckley
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre (RACE)Versus ArthritisUK
- Rheumatology Research GroupInstitute of Inflammation and AgeingCollege of Medical and Dental SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
- Kennedy Institute of RheumatologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research CentreUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - John Isaacs
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre (RACE)Versus ArthritisUK
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute and Musculoskeletal UnitNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Iain B. McInnes
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and InflammationUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre (RACE)Versus ArthritisUK
| | - Karim Raza
- Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS TrustBirminghamUK
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre (RACE)Versus ArthritisUK
- Rheumatology Research GroupInstitute of Inflammation and AgeingCollege of Medical and Dental SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research CentreUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of BirminghamBirminghamUK
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing ResearchUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Marie Falahee
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre (RACE)Versus ArthritisUK
- Rheumatology Research GroupInstitute of Inflammation and AgeingCollege of Medical and Dental SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
The Role of Social Media in Improving Patient Recruitment for Research Studies on Persistent Post-Infectious Olfactory Dysfunction. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58030348. [PMID: 35334524 PMCID: PMC8949697 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58030348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cases of post-infectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD) has substantially increased. Despite a good recovery rate, olfactory dysfunction (OD) becomes persistent in up to 15% of cases and further research is needed to find new treatment modalities for those patients who have not improved on currently available treatments. Social media has emerged as a potential avenue for patient recruitment, but its role in recruiting patients with smell dysfunction remains unexplored. We conducted a survey using the AbScent Facebook page to evaluate the feasibility of using this platform for future studies on smell dysfunction. Materials and Methods: Between 26 October and 4 November 2021, we conducted an online survey to evaluate propensity of patients with PIOD who would be willing to participate in research studies on smell dysfunction. Results: Sixty-five subjects were surveyed with a response rate of 90.7%. The median visual analogue scale (VAS) for sense of smell was 0 at infection and 2 at survey completion. The median length of OD was 1.6 years, and the main cause of OD was SARS-CoV-2 (57.6%). Parosmia was reported in 41 subjects (69.5%) whilst phantosmia in 22 (37.3%). The median length of olfactory training (OT) was 6 months but subjectively effective in 15 subjects (25.4%). Twenty-seven subjects (45.8%) tried other medications to improve olfaction, but only 6 participants (22.2%) reported an improvement. All subjects expressed their propensity to participate in future studies with most of them (38; 64.4%) willing to be enrolled either in medical and surgical studies or to be part of a randomised study design (11; 18.6%). Conclusions: Using the AbScent Facebook platform we successfully selected a population of subjects with persistent and severe OD that have failed to improve on available treatments and are willing to participate in further clinical trials.
Collapse
|
45
|
Bieganek C, Aliferis C, Ma S. Prediction of clinical trial enrollment rates. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263193. [PMID: 35202402 PMCID: PMC8870517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials represent a critical milestone of translational and clinical sciences. However, poor recruitment to clinical trials has been a long standing problem affecting institutions all over the world. One way to reduce the cost incurred by insufficient enrollment is to minimize initiating trials that are most likely to fall short of their enrollment goal. Hence, the ability to predict which proposed trials will meet enrollment goals prior to the start of the trial is highly beneficial. In the current study, we leveraged a data set extracted from ClinicalTrials.gov that consists of 46,724 U.S. based clinical trials from 1990 to 2020. We constructed 4,636 candidate predictors based on data collected by ClinicalTrials.gov and external sources for enrollment rate prediction using various state-of-the-art machine learning methods. Taking advantage of a nested time series cross-validation design, our models resulted in good predictive performance that is generalizable to future data and stable over time. Moreover, information content analysis revealed the study design related features to be the most informative feature type regarding enrollment. Compared to the performance of models built with all features, the performance of models built with study design related features is only marginally worse (AUC = 0.78 ± 0.03 vs. AUC = 0.76 ± 0.02). The results presented can form the basis for data-driven decision support systems to assess whether proposed clinical trials would likely meet their enrollment goal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Bieganek
- Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Constantin Aliferis
- Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Sisi Ma
- Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
McGorm KJ, Brown JD, Thomson RL, Oakey H, Moore B, Hendry A, Colman PG, Craig ME, Davis EA, Harris M, Harrison LC, Haynes A, Soldatos G, Vuillermin P, Wentworth JM, Couper JJ, Penno MAS. A Long-Term Evaluation of Facebook for Recruitment and Retention in the ENDIA Type 1 Diabetes Pregnancy-Birth Cohort Study. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2022; 17:696-704. [PMID: 35193430 DOI: 10.1177/19322968221079867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity (ENDIA) study is an Australia-wide pregnancy-birth cohort study following children who have a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes (ACTRN1261300794707). A dedicated ENDIA Facebook page was established in 2013 with the aim of enhancing recruitment and supporting participant retention through dissemination of study information. To measure the impact of Facebook, we evaluated the sources of referral to the study, cohort demographics, and withdrawal rates. We also investigated whether engagement with Facebook content was associated with specific post themes. METHODS Characteristics of Facebook versus conventional recruits were compared using linear, logistic, and multinomial logistic regression models. Logistic regression was used to determine the risk of study withdrawal. Data pertaining to 794 Facebook posts over 7.5 years were included in the analysis. RESULTS Facebook was the third largest source of referral (300/1511; 19.9%). Facebook recruits were more frequently Australian-born (P < .001) enrolling postnatally (P = .01) and withdrew from the study at a significantly lower rate compared with conventional recruits (4.7% vs 12.3%; P < .001) after a median of follow-up of 3.3 years. Facebook content featuring stories and images of participants received the highest engagement even though <20% of the 2337 Facebook followers were enrolled in the study. CONCLUSIONS Facebook was a valuable recruitment tool for ENDIA. Compared with conventional recruits, Facebook recruits were three times less likely to withdraw during long-term follow-up and had different sociodemographic characteristics. Facebook content featuring participants was the most engaging. These findings inform social media strategies for future cohort and type 1 diabetes studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN1261300794707.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J McGorm
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - James D Brown
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Thomson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Helena Oakey
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Belinda Moore
- Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexandra Hendry
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Peter G Colman
- Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maria E Craig
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Davis
- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Harris
- Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Leonard C Harrison
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aveni Haynes
- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Georgia Soldatos
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Vuillermin
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - John M Wentworth
- Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer J Couper
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Megan A S Penno
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Jiang S, Hong YA. Clinical trial participation in America: The roles of eHealth engagement and patient-provider communication. Digit Health 2021; 7:20552076211067658. [PMID: 34925874 PMCID: PMC8679028 DOI: 10.1177/20552076211067658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Public participation in a clinical trial is the foundation of clinical
research and the cornerstone for the discovery of new treatment and
improving health outcomes. This study aims to examine how eHealth
engagement, patient–provider communication, and clinical trial knowledge are
associated with clinical trial participation in the United States. Methods Data were drawn from the Health Information National Trends Survey Iteration
5 Cycle 4 conducted in 2020. The sample included 3865 American adults aged
18 years and above. Path analysis using structural equation modeling and
hierarchical linear regression was performed to examine the effects of
eHealth engagement and patient–provider communication on clinical trial
participation. Results About 5% of American adults have ever participated in a clinical trial.
Younger adults, males, minorities, and people with lower education, less
clinical trial knowledge, and less eHealth engagement were less likely to
participate. After controlling for demographic variables, we found that more
eHealth engagement led to a better knowledge of clinical trials, which was
strongly associated with participation. Further, patient-centered
communication did not directly lead to clinical trial participation;
instead, it positively moderated the relationship between clinical trial
knowledge and participation. Conclusions The national survey data indicate that American participation in clinical
trials remains low and a significant disparity exists. Within the context of
the eHealth movement, it is critical to implement targeted interventions to
improve clinical trial knowledge, address the digital divide, and enhance
patient-centered communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaohai Jiang
- Department of Communications and New Media, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Both authors contribute equally
| | - Y Alicia Hong
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.,Both authors contribute equally
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Eysenbach G, Angyan P, Le N, Buchanan TA. Using Patient-Generated Health Data From Twitter to Identify, Engage, and Recruit Cancer Survivors in Clinical Trials in Los Angeles County: Evaluation of a Feasibility Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e29958. [PMID: 34842538 PMCID: PMC8665395 DOI: 10.2196/29958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Failure to find and attract clinical trial participants remains a persistent barrier to clinical research. Researchers increasingly complement recruitment methods with social media-based methods. We hypothesized that user-generated data from cancer survivors and their family members and friends on the social network Twitter could be used to identify, engage, and recruit cancer survivors for cancer trials. OBJECTIVE This pilot study aims to examine the feasibility of using user-reported health data from cancer survivors and family members and friends on Twitter in Los Angeles (LA) County to enhance clinical trial recruitment. We focus on 6 cancer conditions (breast cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, lymphoma, lung cancer, and prostate cancer). METHODS The social media intervention involved monitoring cancer-specific posts about the 6 cancer conditions by Twitter users in LA County to identify cancer survivors and their family members and friends and contacting eligible Twitter users with information about open cancer trials at the University of Southern California (USC) Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. We reviewed both retrospective and prospective data published by Twitter users in LA County between July 28, 2017, and November 29, 2018. The study enrolled 124 open clinical trials at USC Norris. We used descriptive statistics to report the proportion of Twitter users who were identified, engaged, and enrolled. RESULTS We analyzed 107,424 Twitter posts in English by 25,032 unique Twitter users in LA County for the 6 cancer conditions. We identified and contacted 1.73% (434/25,032) of eligible Twitter users (127/434, 29.3% cancer survivors; 305/434, 70.3% family members and friends; and 2/434, 0.5% Twitter users were excluded). Of them, 51.4% (223/434) were female and approximately one-third were male. About one-fifth were people of color, whereas most of them were White. Approximately one-fifth (85/434, 19.6%) engaged with the outreach messages (cancer survivors: 33/85, 38% and family members and friends: 52/85, 61%). Of those who engaged with the messages, one-fourth were male, the majority were female, and approximately one-fifth were people of color, whereas the majority were White. Approximately 12% (10/85) of the contacted users requested more information and 40% (4/10) set up a prescreening. Two eligible candidates were transferred to USC Norris for further screening, but neither was enrolled. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate the potential of identifying and engaging cancer survivors and their family members and friends on Twitter. Optimization of downstream recruitment efforts such as screening for digital populations on social media may be required. Future research could test the feasibility of the approach for other diseases, locations, languages, social media platforms, and types of research involvement (eg, survey research). Computer science methods could help to scale up the analysis of larger data sets to support more rigorous testing of the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03408561; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03408561.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Praveen Angyan
- Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - NamQuyen Le
- USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Thomas A Buchanan
- Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Heckman CJ, Riley M, Khavjou O, Ohman-Strickland P, Manne SL, Yaroch AL, Bhurosy T, Coups EJ, Glanz K. Cost, reach, and representativeness of recruitment efforts for an online skin cancer risk reduction intervention trial for young adults. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:1875-1884. [PMID: 34160622 PMCID: PMC8541696 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its increasing use, few studies have reported on demographic representativeness and costs of research recruitment via social media. It was hypothesized that cost, reach, enrollment, and demographic representativeness would differ by social media recruitment approach. Participants were 18-25 year-olds at moderate to high risk of skin cancer based on phenotypic and behavioral characteristics. Paid Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter ads, unpaid social media posts by study staff, and unpaid referrals were used to recruit participants. Demographic and other characteristics of the sample were compared with the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) sample. Analyses demonstrated significant differences among recruitment approaches regarding cost efficiency, study participation, and representativeness. Costs were compared across 4,274 individuals who completed eligibility screeners over a 7-month period from: Instagram, 44.6% (of the sample) = 1,907, $9 (per individual screened); Facebook, 31.5% = 1,345, $8; Twitter, 1% = 42, $178; unpaid posts by study staff, 10.6% and referred, 6.5%, $1. The lowest rates of study enrollment among individuals screened was for Twitter. Most demographic and skin cancer risk factors of study participants differed from those of the 2015 NHIS sample and across social media recruitment approaches. Considering recruitment costs and number of participants enrolled, Facebook and Instagram appeared to be the most useful approaches for recruiting 18-25 year-olds. Findings suggest that project budget, target population and representativeness, and participation goals should inform selection and/or combination of existing and emerging online recruitment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Riley
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Olga Khavjou
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Sharon L Manne
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Amy L Yaroch
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | | | - Karen Glanz
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kukafka R, Liu C, Le N, Angyan P, Finley JM. General Practice and Digital Methods to Recruit Stroke Survivors to a Clinical Mobility Study: Comparative Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e28923. [PMID: 34643544 PMCID: PMC8552096 DOI: 10.2196/28923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participant recruitment remains a barrier to conducting clinical research. The disabling nature of a stroke, which often includes functional and cognitive impairments, and the acute stage of illness at which patients are appropriate for many trials make recruiting patients particularly complex and challenging. In addition, people aged 65 years and older, which includes most stroke survivors, have been identified as a group that is difficult to reach and is commonly underrepresented in health research, particularly clinical trials. Digital media may provide effective tools to support enrollment efforts of stroke survivors in clinical trials. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of general practice (traditional) and digital (online) methods of recruiting stroke survivors to a clinical mobility study. METHODS Recruitment for a clinical mobility study began in July 2018. Eligible study participants included individuals 18 years and older who had a single stroke and were currently ambulatory in the community. General recruiting practice included calling individuals listed in a stroke registry, contacting local physical therapists, and placing study flyers throughout a university campus. Between May 21, 2019, and June 26, 2019, the study was also promoted digitally using the social network Facebook and the search engine marketing tool Google AdWords. The recruitment advertisements (ads) included a link to the study page to which users who clicked were referred. Primary outcomes of interest for both general practice and digital methods included recruitment speed (enrollment rate) and sample characteristics. The data were analyzed using the Lilliefors test, the Welch two-sample t test, and the Mann-Whitney test. Significance was set at P=.05. All statistical analyses were performed in MATLAB 2019b. RESULTS Our results indicate that digital recruitment methods can address recruitment challenges regarding stroke survivors. Digital recruitment methods allowed us to enroll study participants at a faster rate (1.8 participants/week) compared to using general practice methods (0.57 participants/week). Our findings also demonstrate that digital and general recruitment practices can achieve an equivalent level of sample representativeness. The characteristics of the enrolled stroke survivors did not differ significantly by age (P=.95) or clinical scores (P=.22; P=.82). Comparing the cost-effectiveness of Facebook and Google, we found that the use of Facebook resulted in a lower cost per click and cost per enrollee per ad. CONCLUSIONS Digital recruitment can be used to expedite participant recruitment of stroke survivors compared to more traditional recruitment practices, while also achieving equivalent sample representativeness. Both general practice and digital recruitment methods will be important to the successful recruitment of stroke survivors. Future studies could focus on testing the effectiveness of additional general practice and digital media approaches and include robust cost-effectiveness analyses. Examining the effectiveness of different messaging and visual approaches tailored to culturally diverse and underrepresented target subgroups could provide further data to move toward evidence-based recruitment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - NamQuyen Le
- Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Praveen Angyan
- Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - James M Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|