Does a video clip enhance recruitment into a parenting trial? Learnings from a study within a trial

Abstract

Background Reaching recruitment targets in randomised controlled trials is a challenge. Media tools are increasingly used to engage participants, yet there is a paucity of research into the use of video to optimise recruitment. We therefore tested whether adding a participant information video clip to a standard participant information sheet improved recruitment into a parenting trial. Methods One hundred seven participants were randomised to receive either a participant information sheet (n = 51) or an informational video clip (n = 56) as part of an email contact following a screening phase. All participants went on to receive the information sheet as part of the existing consent procedure. Results The video condition did not increase the odds of recruitment into the trial, such that those in the video condition were significantly less likely to participate in the main trial (OR = 0.253, CI = 0.104–0.618, p = 0.003). Conclusion The introduction of a video clip into the recruitment stages of a parenting trial did not lead to an improvement in recruitment; however, the small sample size precludes definitive inferences. We offer reflections on challenges encountered in implementing the SWAT and suggestions for other researchers seeking to embed recruitment SWATs into similar trials. Trial registration Current controlled trials ISRCTN 58327365. Registered on 19 March 2015. SWAT registration SWAT 106; Effects of a video clip on recruitment into a randomised trial. Registered on 20 December 2016.

What do parents think of using informational videos to support recruitment for parenting trials? A qualitative study

“…Mattock et al suggest that several shorter videos (e.g. 30 s each) addressing different topics such as assessment, consent, and randomization may be optimal [ 26 ]. This is likely of particular importance for multisite or more complex trials.…”

“…Using a video for recruitment seems to be beneficial in enhancing the understanding of what participation in trials means for the participant. However, it may not necessarily translate into increased recruitment [ 26 ]. Indeed, a better understanding of what participation in a trial involves concerning e.g.…”

“…Indeed, a better understanding of what participation in a trial involves concerning e.g. randomization or time commitment may lead to fewer participants enrolling [ 26 ]. It is possible that the greatest potential for use of videos in recruitment is concerning retention.…”

“…One study examining the effect of using four different video-based approaches to engage parents in intervention studies found that all four video approaches increased parents’ interest in participating in the study, but only the most streamlined version of the video significantly increased enrolment compared to control conditions [ 25 ]. Another study examining the effect of adding video clips to standard PIS in a parenting trial found that the video clips did not increase recruitment into the trial [ 26 ]. However, the impact of informational videos on trial recruitment and retention rates requires further exploration given the lack of research in this area.…”

The effect of personalised versus non-personalised study invitations on recruitment within the ENGAGE feasibility trial: an embedded randomised controlled recruitment trial

“…For example, a recent meta-analysis investigating the effect of user-tested, simplified, and clarified study information sheets on recruitment rates showed no effect [14]. Monetary incentives were found to be effective in one trial [15], whereas access to video clips with study information online [16,17] was not. However, currently there are too few studies examining each strategy for conclusions to be drawn and our understanding of how to recruit effectively to trials is limited [4,18].…”