Recruiting Community-Based Dementia Patients and Caregivers in a Nonpharmacologic Randomized Trial

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and cost of three recruitment strategies—direct mail, newspaper advertisements, and community outreach—for identifying and enrolling dementia caregivers into a randomized trial testing a nonpharmacologic approach to enhancing quality of life of patients and caregivers (dyads). Method Enrollment occurred between 2006 and 2008. The number of recruitment inquiries, number and race of enrollees, and costs for each recruitment strategy were recorded. Results Of 284 inquiries, 237 (83%) dyads enrolled. Total cost for recruitment across methodologies was US$154 per dyad. Direct mailings resulted in the most enrollees (n = 135, 57%) and was the least costly method (US$63 per dyad) compared with newspaper ads (US$224 per dyad) and community outreach (US$350 per dyad). Although enrollees were predominately White, mailings yielded the highest number of non-Whites (n = 37). Discussion Direct mailings was the most effective and least costly method for enrolling dyads in a nonpharmacologic dementia trial.

Outcomes of art therapy and coloring for professional and informal caregivers of patients in a radiation oncology unit: A mixed methods pilot study

“…This is an ongoing challenge in the field since family caregivers are often focused on the patient and unavailable and unwilling to take time for themselves (Walsh et al, 2007) and professionals may have long hours and feel pressured to keep working and not admit to their own needs (Tjasink and Soosaipillai, 2019). In a study of caregiver recruitment, Morrison et al (2014) spent an average over $160 per person to recruit caregivers into a study. While combining family and professional caregivers into one group in our study increased the overall sample size, it must be noted that the two types of caregivers have very different emotional burdens and this may have hidden important distinctions between the groups.…”

A Multipronged, Adaptive Approach for the Recruitment of Diverse Community-Residing Elders with Memory Impairment: The MIND at Home Experience

“…Mailings from trusted community organizations are a valuable tool in this population (39), and here produced the largest number of referrals of all strategies employed (n=715), and ultimately the leading source of study enrollees (39%). It was crucial that these letters came from familiar, trusted community organizations themselves, versus Hopkins, in which the response level would likely have been much lower.…”

Inclusion of Older Adults in Research: Ensuring Relevance, Feasibility, and Rigor

“…For many studies, including those involving the administration of influenza vaccines, retention rates may be especially high with repeat participants reflecting more than 80% of enrollees . Mail‐based recruitments can be effective and less costly alternatives to other approaches such as newspaper ads. Nevertheless, important knowledge gaps remain regarding comparative effectiveness and costs, especially when specific subpopulations and settings are involved.…”