Methodological issues in the recruitment of cancer pain patients and their caregivers

Published pain management guidelines recommend that caregivers of cancer pain patients be provided pain management education, but little is known about the utility of providing such information. This study examined recruitment and retention of cancer pain patients and caregivers for a randomized clinical trial that provided psychoeducation and stress management training to caregivers. Of 397 patient/caregiver dyads screened, only 22 (5.5%) were study eligible, consented to participate, and completed the study. A variety of problems hampered successful participation, including a high proportion of non-cancer-related pain syndromes among patients, a high proportion of patients without caregivers, and participants' perception of study burden. Results suggest that researchers should recruit from a broad patient base and limit study burden on participants.