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

Abstract

Background Although 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. Methods Using 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. Results Pharmacists 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. Conclusions We 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 registration Trial Registration Number: NCT02579655 – initially registered Oct 19, 2015.

Successful Recruitment to Qualitative Research: A Critical Reflection

“…From an altruistic perspective (Tarpey, 2006), they were also interested in our research because they imagined that our findings could positively impact nursing students and the care of older persons. Furthermore, participants may also have been attracted to our study because of their overall interest in research and their valuing of scientific inquiry (Fletcher et al, 2020; Keightley et al, 2014). Since our study was conducted in a research-intensive university setting, it could be that participants possessed an inherent interest in and a valuing of research, although this was not expressly stated.…”

“…There appears to be a scarcity of literature on why individuals volunteer for research, from their own viewpoint. Furthermore, while authors address recruitment in particular populations (e.g., Fletcher et al, 2020; Lindsay et al, 2021), recruitment of nurse educators is absent from published articles. Without a comprehensive representation of the recruitment process in the literature, researchers lack guidance in achieving recruitment success (Boxall et al, 2016; Marks et al, 2017).…”

Self-Management Support Using Advertising Principles for Older Adults With Low Income at High Cardiovascular Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Potential participants were recruited by signs in physician offices and pharmacies across Alberta, letters sent to patients with recent health system interactions (hospitalization or from a cardiac catheterization registry), and through advertising on television, radio, and social media. 20,21 Interested individuals called the study recruitment line, which was staffed by professional customer service representatives, who answered basic questions and administered eligibility questions. Contact information for those who were interested and eligible was forwarded to the study coordinating center, which then contacted participants to complete intake questions, obtain informed consent, and arrange for completion of baseline study questionnaires (by mail or electronic means, as per participant preference).…”

Navigating the challenges of clinical trial professionals in the healthcare sector

“…Pharmacists may also participate in the screening, assessing, and recruiting volunteers in CTs (181)(182)(183)(184)(185). Several experiences involving pharmacists in managing patients in clinical research in primary care have been communicated, with studies focused on pharmacological treatment of acute low back pain (181), preventive intervention of cardiovascular events (185), atrial fibrillation screening (183), and assessing outcomes of enhanced chronic disease care through patient education (186).…”