Evaluating recruitment methods of patients with advanced cancer: a pragmatic opportunistic comparison

Abstract

Background Recruitment of patients with advanced cancer into studies is challenging. Objective To evaluate recruitment methods in a study of pharmacist‐led cancer pain medicine consultations and produce recommendations for future studies. Method Two methods of recruitment were employed: (1) community‐based (general practitioner computer search, identification by general practitioner, community pharmacist or district nurse and hospital outpatient list search) and (2) hospice‐based (in and outpatient list search). Patients identified in method 1 were invited by post and in method 2 were invited face‐to‐face. Information was designed in collaboration with patients and carers. Results A total of 128 patients were identified (85 from the community and 43 from the hospice), and 47 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty‐three agreed to take part and 19 completed the study, 17 of whom were already under specialist palliative care. Recruitment rates were 7% for community‐based methods and 40% for hospice. The recruitment methods differed in intensity of resource use. Recruitment via letter and a lack of engagement by healthcare professionals were found to be barriers. Facilitators included the researcher having personal involvement in recruitment. Conclusion The overall recruitment rate was in line with other studies for this patient cohort. Attempts to identify and engage patients through community‐based postal contact were less effective than where personal contact with patients was both possible and occurred. Methods were less successful at recruiting patients who were not already engaged with hospice services.

Developing a research community within an online healthcare feedback platform

“…More consideration is also needed about facilitating certain groups, such as older populations, to be involved. Iteratively developing recruitment methods may support increased participation, 28 and involving members of the research community in developing these methods will be important. A systematic review has demonstrated patient and public involvement to improve participant recruitment to studies, particularly if the people involved have experience relevant to the subject of the research, such as the experience of a particular health condition 29 …”

Study recruitment factors in advanced cancer: the Prognosis in Palliative care Study II (PiPS2) - a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort project

“…In keeping with previous research, we found that recruitment of patients with advanced cancer in the community setting is extremely challenging. 30 Higher rates of eligibility and accessibility to inpatient hospice patients may partly be explained by the fact that patients near the end of life, no longer undergoing curative treatment, are more likely to be found in hospices. 31 32 On the other hand, a greater proportion of hospital patients may be willing to participate in research possibly because they are less ill than those in the hospice and are often supported by better research infrastructure.…”

Pain self-management interventions for community-based patients with advanced cancer: a research programme including the IMPACCT RCT

“…Edwards et al 64 In this part of the work package we also attempted to establish pathways to identify and refer patients to a community pharmacy for a MUR in our planned feasibility study. Recruitment of patients with advanced cancer into health services research studies is known to be challenging.…”