Value of recruitment strategies used in a primary care practice-based trial

Abstract

This analysis provides suggestions for future recruitment efforts and research. Translational studies with limited funds could consider multi-modal recruitment approaches including in-person presentations to practice groups and exploitation of previous relationships, which require the providers to opt-out, and interactive opt-in approaches which rely on borrowed networks. These approaches can be supplemented with non-relationship-based opt-out strategies such as cold calls strategically targeted to underrepresented provider groups.

Maximising recruitment and retention of general practices in clinical trials: a case study

“…For example, the 'physicians recruiting physicians' strategy leads to acceptable recruitment rates but may not include representative practices. 6 One example of a potentially effective approach to practice recruitment that is built on an intimate knowledge of research in primary care involves the use of research information sheets for practices. 7 These provide a template for the generation of clear and succinct information about a trial or research study.…”

“…An additional factor in the invitation method that may have led to a representative recruitment was the issuing of invitations to all practices in the two PCTs, rather than just those perceived to be interested in research or the topic of the trial. 6 • An interest in research was identified by participating GPs as an important reason for joining the trial, even though not all participating GPs had previous experience of research.…”

Recruiting and retaining general practitioners to a primary care asthma-intervention study in Australia

“…The greater success of RM3 appears to be attributable to who did the recruiting. Specifically, having a medical peer telephone a GP's surgery greatly simplified access to the practice, a finding that has been previously noted (Veitch et al 2001;Sellors et al 2002;Ellis et al 2007). Reasons why the medical-peer approach works is the ability to pass the practice 'gatekeeper', usually a receptionist, because of their respect and credibility (Heywood et al 1995) and the strength of their personal networks and relationships (Asch et al 2000).…”

Factors that promote and prohibit access to participants in the clinical setting: A review of response rates from a health communication intervention study

“…Whenever possible, research activities should be executed by research staff, not by physicians and clinical staff [24,27]. Finally, physicians are more likely to participate if the study results will positively impact their clinical practices and enable the physicians to develop further their patient-care skills [24,30]. Researchers should consider ways to provide individualized feedback to physicians based on the results of the study [24] or link the project to the physicians' own professional development [26].…”