Lessons learned from recruiting into a longitudinal remote measurement study in major depressive disorder

Abstract

The use of remote measurement technologies (RMTs) across mobile health (mHealth) studies is becoming popular, given their potential for providing rich data on symptom change and indicators of future state in recurrent conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD). Understanding recruitment into RMT research is fundamental for improving historically small sample sizes, reducing loss of statistical power, and ultimately producing results worthy of clinical implementation. There is a need for the standardisation of best practices for successful recruitment into RMT research. The current paper reviews lessons learned from recruitment into the Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse- Major Depressive Disorder (RADAR-MDD) study, a large-scale, multi-site prospective cohort study using RMT to explore the clinical course of people with depression across the UK, the Netherlands, and Spain. More specifically, the paper reflects on key experiences from the UK site and consolidates these into four key recruitment strategies, alongside a review of barriers to recruitment. Finally, the strategies and barriers outlined are combined into a model of lessons learned. This work provides a foundation for future RMT study design, recruitment and evaluation.

Characterising illness stages and recovery trajectories of eating disorders in young people via remote measurement technology (STORY): a multi-centre prospective cohort study protocol

“…However, implementing RMT in an ED population presents unique challenges, most notably the use of wearable devices that are commonly associated with fitness and diet tracking. Such technology has been shown to trigger, maintain and worsen ED symptomatology in clinical and non-clinical populations [ 87 , 88 ], mirrored in reluctance amongst individuals with an ED history to participate in RMT studies [ 89 ]. To understand how RMT can be safely integrated into ED research and clinical practice, we encourage future research to follow processes similar to those in STORY (e.g., PPI; close consultation with experts-by-experience; process evaluations).…”

“…To reduce attrition, participants are remunerated for individual assessments and allegiance to the study is fostered using purpose-designed study merchandise (e.g., tote bags, travel mugs), newsletters and events as successfully used in previous studies. Retention will be further aided by contact with dedicated research team members who provide technical support as needed, remind participants of the importance of data collection, and motivate them to contribute study data, as evidenced in previous longitudinal RMT studies [ 89 ]. The STORY study prioritises capturing young people’s experiences with EDs, enabling an in-depth exploration of individual factors related to illness progression and recovery.…”

Recruitment and retention of adolescents for an ecological momentary assessment measurement burst mental health study: The MHIM engagement strategy

“…There is increasing recognition of an ethical responsibility to consult young people on matters that affect them, including on the design of research studies about them. 39 , 40 , 41 Previous research in both longitudinal studies of adolescence 16 , 42 and remote measurement designs 17 , 43 have further highlighted the value of consulting with representatives of the target population in their study design and recruitment and retention strategy development.…”

Digital Therapeutic Intervention for Women in the UK Armed Forces Who Consume Alcohol at a Hazardous or Harmful Level: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Participants will be recruited via an existing research cohort [ 26 ] and social media [ 29 ] following published recruitment strategies [ 29 , 30 ]. The research cohort will comprise participants from the King’s Centre for Military Health Research health and well-being longitudinal cohort study [ 26 ], and participants will be sent an email inviting them to take part.…”