Pharmacist and patient perspectives on recruitment strategies for randomized controlled trials: a qualitative analysis.
Chronic disease
Education
Medication
Participant focus group
Pharmacist
Qualitative
Randomized controlled trials
Recruitment
Senior
Journal
BMC medical research methodology
ISSN: 1471-2288
Titre abrégé: BMC Med Res Methodol
Pays: England
ID NLM: 100968545
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
31 10 2020
31 10 2020
Historique:
received:
15
05
2020
accepted:
07
10
2020
entrez:
1
11
2020
pubmed:
2
11
2020
medline:
25
6
2021
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Although recruitment is a major challenge for most randomized controlled trials, few report on the difficulties of recruitment, or how it might be enhanced. The objective of our study was to qualitatively explore the experiences of both patients and pharmacists related to recruitment for ACCESS, a large trial involving low-income seniors, given that two of our most successful recruitment strategies were direct patient recruitment materials and use of community pharmacists. Using qualitative descriptive methods, we collected data from pharmacists and study participants. Pharmacists were asked about their impressions of the study, as well as challenges they faced and methods they used to recruit potential participants. Focus groups with trial participants centered on the patient recruitment materials. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Pharmacists noted that their first impressions of the study were positive as they described being enticed to help the study team by the potential benefit of copayment elimination for their patients and the low time commitment. Pharmacists noted they were more likely to recruit if they were well informed on the study, as they could answer their patients' questions. Participants noted that their primary motivations for participating were the tangible benefits of free medications and the intrinsic value of participating in research. We noted that recruitment through pharmacies was an effective method as most patients have trusting relationships with their pharmacist. To optimize recruitment through pharmacies, study procedures should be straightforward, and pharmacists need to be equipped with good knowledge of the study. When promoting a study to potential participants, messaging should ensure the individuals are aware of the tangible benefits of participation while still presenting a full overview of the trial. Trial Registration Number: NCT02579655 - initially registered Oct 19, 2015.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Although recruitment is a major challenge for most randomized controlled trials, few report on the difficulties of recruitment, or how it might be enhanced. The objective of our study was to qualitatively explore the experiences of both patients and pharmacists related to recruitment for ACCESS, a large trial involving low-income seniors, given that two of our most successful recruitment strategies were direct patient recruitment materials and use of community pharmacists.
METHODS
Using qualitative descriptive methods, we collected data from pharmacists and study participants. Pharmacists were asked about their impressions of the study, as well as challenges they faced and methods they used to recruit potential participants. Focus groups with trial participants centered on the patient recruitment materials. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Pharmacists noted that their first impressions of the study were positive as they described being enticed to help the study team by the potential benefit of copayment elimination for their patients and the low time commitment. Pharmacists noted they were more likely to recruit if they were well informed on the study, as they could answer their patients' questions. Participants noted that their primary motivations for participating were the tangible benefits of free medications and the intrinsic value of participating in research.
CONCLUSIONS
We noted that recruitment through pharmacies was an effective method as most patients have trusting relationships with their pharmacist. To optimize recruitment through pharmacies, study procedures should be straightforward, and pharmacists need to be equipped with good knowledge of the study. When promoting a study to potential participants, messaging should ensure the individuals are aware of the tangible benefits of participation while still presenting a full overview of the trial.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Trial Registration Number: NCT02579655 - initially registered Oct 19, 2015.
Identifiants
pubmed: 33129278
doi: 10.1186/s12874-020-01140-6
pii: 10.1186/s12874-020-01140-6
pmc: PMC7603682
doi:
Banques de données
ClinicalTrials.gov
['NCT02579655']
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
270Subventions
Organisme : Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions
ID : 201300672
Pays : International
Organisme : University of Calgary Clinical Research Fund
ID : CRF15-018
Pays : International
Organisme : Canadian Institute of Health Research - Foundation Grant
ID : 148441
Pays : International
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