Pharmacist and patient perspectives on recruitment strategies for randomized controlled trials: a qualitative analysis

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Jane M. Fletcher¹  Terry Saunders-Smith²  Braden J. Manns³  Marcello Tonelli³  Brenda R. Hemmelgarn³  David J. T. Campbell⁴  Ross Tsuyuki⁵ 

[1] Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, T2N 1N4, Calgary, AB, Canada;Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, T2N 1N4, Calgary, AB, Canada;Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, T2N 1N4, Calgary, AB, Canada;Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, T2N 1N4, Calgary, AB, Canada;Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, T2N 1N4, Calgary, AB, Canada;Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, T2N 1N4, Calgary, AB, Canada;Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, T2N 1N4, Calgary, AB, Canada;Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, 2J2.00 WC Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, University of Alberta, 8440 112 St. NW, T6G 2R7, Edmonton, AB, Canada;

关键词: Recruitment;    Qualitative;    Randomized controlled trials;    Pharmacist;    Participant focus group;    Chronic disease;    Medication;    Education;    Senior;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12874-020-01140-6

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundAlthough 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.MethodsUsing 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.ResultsPharmacists 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.ConclusionsWe 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 registrationTrial Registration Number: NCT02579655 – initially registered Oct 19, 2015.

【 授权许可】

CC BY