Related Experiment Videos
Recruiting patients to randomized trials in primary care: principles and case study.
1Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York YO1 5DD and Institute of Rehabilitation, University of Hull, Hull, UK.
Family Practice
|April 12, 2000
Summary
Maximizing patient recruitment for exercise trials is crucial. Computerized patient lists significantly improved enrollment compared to manual GP referrals, highlighting effective strategies for clinical trial success.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Trial Recruitment
- Primary Care Research
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Recruitment challenges in primary care trials can jeopardize study completion.
- General practitioner (GP) interest and time constraints significantly impact patient enrollment.
- Effective strategies are needed to overcome barriers to maximal recruitment in clinical studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize patient recruitment for a randomized controlled trial focused on exercise interventions for back pain.
- To identify and evaluate methods for maximizing patient enrollment in primary care settings.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of two recruitment strategies: computerized patient listing with prior consent versus manual GP referral recording.
- Data collection over 24 months involving 19 primary care practices.
- Analysis of referral rates, patient eligibility, and successful inclusion in the study.
Main Results:
- Overall referral rates were lower than anticipated, with many patients ineligible or self-excluding.
- Out of 1588 referred patients over 24 months, only 187 (12%) met inclusion criteria.
- Practices utilizing computerized patient lists achieved 44% of all successfully included participants.
Conclusions:
- Patient recruitment success is influenced by the GP referral method and rate.
- The proportion of referred patients meeting eligibility criteria is a key factor.
- Patient availability and commitment to attending exercise classes impact overall trial recruitment.