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Idnay B, Cordoba E, Ramirez SO, Xiao E, Wood OR, Batey DS, Garofalo R, Schnall R. Social Marketing Perspective on Participant Recruitment in Informatics-Based Intervention Studies. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04355-6. [PMID: 38703337 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04355-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Effective recruitment strategies are pivotal for informatics-based intervention trials success, particularly for people living with HIV (PLWH), where engagement can be challenging. Although informatics interventions are recognized for improving health outcomes, the effectiveness of their recruitment strategies remains unclear. We investigated the application of a social marketing framework in navigating the nuances of recruitment for informatics-based intervention trials for PLWH by examining participant experiences and perceptions. We used qualitative descriptive methodology to conduct semi-structured interviews with 90 research participants from four informatics-based intervention trials. Directed inductive and deductive content analyses were guided by Howcutt et al.'s social marketing framework on applying the decision-making process to research recruitment. The majority were male (86.7%), living in the Northeast United States (56%), and identified as Black (32%) or White (32%). Most participants (60%) completed the interview remotely. Sixteen subthemes emerged from five themes: motivation, perception, attitude formation, integration, and learning. Findings from our interview data suggest that concepts from Howcutt et al.'s framework informed participants' decisions to participate in an informatics-based intervention trial. We found that the participants' perceptions of trust in the research process were integral to the participants across the four trials. However, the recruitment approach and communication medium preferences varied between older and younger age groups. Social marketing framework can provide insight into improving the research recruitment process. Future work should delve into the complex interplay between the type of informatics-based interventions, trust in the research process, and communication preferences, and how these factors collectively influence participants' willingness to engage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betina Idnay
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Evette Cordoba
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Eugenia Xiao
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olivia R Wood
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Scott Batey
- School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rebecca Schnall
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Parker A, Arundel C, Clark L, Coleman E, Doherty L, Hewitt CE, Beard D, Bower P, Cooper C, Culliford L, Devane D, Emsley R, Eldridge S, Galvin S, Gillies K, Montgomery A, Sutton CJ, Treweek S, Torgerson DJ. Undertaking Studies Within A Trial to evaluate recruitment and retention strategies for randomised controlled trials: lessons learnt from the PROMETHEUS research programme. Health Technol Assess 2024; 28:1-114. [PMID: 38327177 PMCID: PMC11017159 DOI: 10.3310/htqw3107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Randomised controlled trials ('trials') are susceptible to poor participant recruitment and retention. Studies Within A Trial are the strongest methods for testing the effectiveness of strategies to improve recruitment and retention. However, relatively few of these have been conducted. Objectives PROMoting THE Use of Studies Within A Trial aimed to facilitate at least 25 Studies Within A Trial evaluating recruitment or retention strategies. We share our experience of delivering the PROMoting THE Use of Studies Within A Trial programme, and the lessons learnt for undertaking randomised Studies Within A Trial. Design A network of 10 Clinical Trials Units and 1 primary care research centre committed to conducting randomised controlled Studies Within A Trial of recruitment and/or retention strategies was established. Promising recruitment and retention strategies were identified from various sources including Cochrane systematic reviews, the Study Within A Trial Repository, and existing prioritisation exercises, which were reviewed by patient and public members to create an initial priority list of seven recruitment and eight retention interventions. Host trial teams could apply for funding and receive support from the PROMoting THE Use of Studies Within A Trial team to undertake Studies Within A Trial. We also tested the feasibility of undertaking co-ordinated Studies Within A Trial, across multiple host trials simultaneously. Setting Clinical trials unit-based trials recruiting or following up participants in any setting in the United Kingdom were eligible. Participants Clinical trials unit-based teams undertaking trials in any clinical context in the United Kingdom. Interventions Funding of up to £5000 and support from the PROMoting THE Use of Studies Within A Trial team to design, implement and report Studies Within A Trial. Main outcome measures Number of host trials funded. Results Forty-two Studies Within A Trial were funded (31 host trials), across 12 Clinical Trials Units. The mean cost of a Study Within A Trial was £3535. Twelve Studies Within A Trial tested the same strategy across multiple host trials using a co-ordinated Study Within A Trial design, and four used a factorial design. Two recruitment and five retention strategies were evaluated in more than one host trial. PROMoting THE Use of Studies Within A Trial will add 18% more Studies Within A Trial to the Cochrane systematic review of recruitment strategies, and 79% more Studies Within A Trial to the Cochrane review of retention strategies. For retention, we found that pre-notifying participants by card, letter or e-mail before sending questionnaires was effective, as was the use of pens, and sending personalised text messages to improve questionnaire response. We highlight key lessons learnt to guide others planning Studies Within A Trial, including involving patient and public involvement partners; prioritising and selecting strategies to evaluate and elements to consider when designing a Study Within A Trial; obtaining governance approvals; implementing Studies Within A Trial, including individual and co-ordinated Studies Within A Trials; and reporting Study Within A Trials. Limitations The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted five Studies Within A Trial, being either delayed (n = 2) or prematurely terminated (n = 3). Conclusions PROMoting THE Use of Studies Within A Trial significantly increased the evidence base for recruitment and retention strategies. When provided with both funding and practical support, host trial teams successfully implemented Studies Within A Trial. Future work Future research should identify and target gaps in the evidence base, including widening Study Within A Trial uptake, undertaking more complex Studies Within A Trial and translating Study Within A Trial evidence into practice. Study registration All Studies Within A Trial in the PROMoting THE Use of Studies Within A Trial programme had to be registered with the Northern Ireland Network for Trials Methodology Research Study Within A Trial Repository. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 13/55/80) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 2. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adwoa Parker
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Catherine Arundel
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Laura Clark
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Elizabeth Coleman
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Laura Doherty
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - David Beard
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Science, NIHR Biomedical Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Bower
- National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research, Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Cindy Cooper
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lucy Culliford
- Bristol Trials Centre, Clinical Trials and Evaluation Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK
| | - Declan Devane
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Republic of Ireland
- Health Research Board-Trials Methodology Research Network, Galway, Republic of Ireland
| | - Richard Emsley
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sandra Eldridge
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Sandra Galvin
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Republic of Ireland
- Health Research Board-Trials Methodology Research Network, Galway, Republic of Ireland
| | - Katie Gillies
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Foresthill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Alan Montgomery
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, University Park Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
| | | | - Shaun Treweek
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Foresthill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - David J Torgerson
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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McCaffrey J, Terao M, McCaffrey C, Igoe A, Loughran O, McDonagh K, McDonogh S, Shackleton E, Whooley E, Jelovac A, McLoughlin DM, Hunter A. Protocol Development for a Qualitative Methodological Study Within a Trial (Qual-SWAT): The KARMA-Dep-2 Trial. HRB Open Res 2023; 6:29. [PMID: 37361338 PMCID: PMC10285324 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13721.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite methodological improvements in clinical trial design and conduct more generally, methodological limitations persist in trials concerning mental health care. A qualitative Study Within A Trial (Qual-SWAT), embedded in the KARMA-Dep-2 host trial, will be undertaken to explore and gain an understanding of two methodological questions in randomised trials specific to mental health care: (1) what are the key barriers and enablers of participation in randomised trials in mental health; and (2) how can randomised trials become part of routine mental health care. These issues will be examined from patient-participant and clinician- / researcher-participant perspectives, in alignment with PRioRiTy research themes. Methods A descriptive qualitative study design will be used. Data will be collected via one-to-one semi-structured interviews, conducted via Microsoft Teams. The interview data will be analysed using Braun and Clarke's Thematic Analysis approach. One-to-one interviews will be conducted with three participant groups ( N = 30): 1) host trial patient-participants ( n = 10); 2) potentially eligible host trial patient-participants who refused enrolment in the host trial ( n = 10); and 3) clinician- / researcher-participants who are associated with work on the host trial ( n = 10). Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been granted by St. Patrick's Mental Health Services Research Ethics Committee, Ireland (Ref: Protocol 09/20). When the study is completed, a report will be prepared and submitted to the Health Research Board (HRB). Findings will be shared with the host trial team and study participants, and submitted for publication. Host trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT04939649); EudraCT ( 2019-003109-92). Official title: Ketamine as an Adjunctive Therapy for Major Depression - A Randomised Controlled Trial: [KARMA-Dep (2)].
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Affiliation(s)
- John McCaffrey
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Masashi Terao
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cathal McCaffrey
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anna Igoe
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Orlaith Loughran
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kelly McDonagh
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah McDonogh
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ellie Shackleton
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emma Whooley
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ana Jelovac
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Declan M. McLoughlin
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew Hunter
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Qualitative Research in Trials Centre (QUESTS), University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Ramsay G, Haime Z, Crellin NE, Stansfeld JL, Priebe S, Long M, Moncrieff J. Recruitment to a trial of antipsychotic reduction: impact of an acceptability study. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:78. [PMID: 36991350 PMCID: PMC10053425 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01881-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pre-trial acceptability studies may boost recruitment, especially in trials comparing distinctly different interventions. We evaluated the impact of an acceptability study on recruitment to a randomised trial of antipsychotic reduction versus maintenance treatment and explored demographic and clinical predictors of subsequent enrolment. METHODS Participants with a diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder who were taking antipsychotic medication were interviewed about their views of taking part in a future trial. RESULTS In a sample of 210 participants, 151 (71.9%) expressed an interest in taking part in the future trial, 16 (7.6%) said they might be interested, and 43 (20.5%) said they were not. Altruistic reasons were most commonly given for wanting to take part, and concern about randomisation for not wanting to. Ultimately 57 people enrolled in the trial (27.1% of the original sample). Eighty-five people who initially expressed an interest did not enrol due to declining or not being eligible (for clinical reasons). Women and people from a white ethnic background were more likely to enrol in the trial, but no illness or treatment-related characteristics were associated with enrolment. CONCLUSION An acceptability study can be a useful tool for recruitment to challenging trials, but it may over-estimate recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Ramsay
- Research and Development, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, Ilford, Essex, UK
| | - Zoë Haime
- University College London, Bloomsbury , UK
| | | | - Jacki L Stansfeld
- Research and Development, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, Ilford, Essex, UK
- University College London, Bloomsbury , UK
| | - Stefan Priebe
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End, East London, UK
| | - Maria Long
- Research and Development, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, Ilford, Essex, UK
- University College London, Bloomsbury , UK
| | - Joanna Moncrieff
- Research and Development, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, Ilford, Essex, UK.
- University College London, Bloomsbury , UK.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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 ()
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Gallinat C, Moessner M, Apondo S, Thomann PA, Herpertz SC, Bauer S. Feasibility of an Intervention Delivered via Mobile Phone and Internet to Improve the Continuity of Care in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:12391. [PMID: 34886117 PMCID: PMC8656751 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness associated with a heavy symptom burden and high relapse rates. Digital interventions are increasingly suggested as means to facilitate continuity of care, relapse prevention, and long-term disease management for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In order to investigate the feasibility of a mobile and internet-based aftercare program, a 2-arm randomized controlled pilot study was conducted. The program could be used by patients for six months after inpatient treatment and included psychoeducation, an individual crisis plan, optional counseling via internet chat or phone and a supportive monitoring module. Due to the slow pace of enrollment, recruitment was stopped before the planned sample size was achieved. Reasons for the high exclusion rate during recruitment were analyzed as well as attitudes, satisfaction, and utilization of the program by study participants. The data of 25 randomized patients suggest overall positive attitudes towards the program, high user satisfaction and good adherence to the monitoring module. Overall, the results indicate that the digital program might be suitable to provide support following discharge from intensive care. In addition, the study provides insights into specific barriers to recruitment which may inform future research in the field of digital interventions for severe mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gallinat
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Markus Moessner
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Sandra Apondo
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.A.); (S.C.H.)
| | - Philipp A. Thomann
- Zentrum für Seelische Gesundheit, Gesundheitszentrum Odenwaldkreis GmbH, 64711 Erbach im Odenwald, Germany;
| | - Sabine C. Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.A.); (S.C.H.)
| | - Stephanie Bauer
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.M.); (S.B.)
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