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Published on: June 10, 2025
Research in patients with heart failure: challenges in recruitment
Susan J Pressler1, Usha Subramanian, Rose Mary Shaw
1Indiana University School of Nursing in Indianapolis, IN, USA. SPressle@umich.edu
Insights
Recruiting patients with chronic heart failure for cognitive studies requires screening many individuals. High participation rates depend on efficient recruitment strategies at clinical sites.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neuropsychology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Studies on heart failure patients often omit recruitment process details.
- Understanding recruitment challenges is crucial for clinical trial success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the recruitment process for a chronic heart failure cognitive deficits study.
- Focus on the initial 18 months of participant recruitment.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment procedures were documented across two distinct clinical sites.
- Eligibility screening involved echocardiograms and medical record review.
Main Results:
- Site 1: 4,027 echocardiograms screened, 161 eligible, 29 participants (48% completion).
- Site 2: 437 medical records screened, 163 eligible, 52 participants (74% completion).
- Refusal rates were 23% (Site 1) and 21% (Site 2).
Conclusions:
- Effective recruitment for heart failure studies necessitates screening a substantial patient cohort.
- Tailored recruitment approaches may enhance participation rates.
Background:
Published studies of patients with heart failure may not include details about the challenges in the recruitment process.
Objectives:
To describe the recruitment process during the first 18 months of a study being conducted to evaluate cognitive deficits in patients with chronic heart failure.
Methods:
Details of the recruitment process are described for 2 clinic sites.
Results:
A total of 4,027 echocardiograms were screened at site 1 to evaluate eligibility. Of the 161 patients eligible, 61 (38%) were invited to participate, and 29 of the 61 (48%) completed the study. At site 2, four hundred thirty-seven medical records of patients were screened, resulting in 163 eligible patients (37%). The staff invited 70 of the 163 patients (43%) to participate, and 52 of the 70 (74%) completed the study. The refusal rate was 23% at site 1 and 21% at site 2.
Conclusions:
Successful recruitment in studies involving patients with heart failure often requires screening of a large group of patients.
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