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E-mail invitations to general practitioners were as effective as postal invitations and were more efficient
Shaun Treweek1, Karen Barnett, Graeme Maclennan
1Population Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Kirsty Semple Way, Dundee DD2 4BF, UK. streweek@mac.com
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
|February 7, 2012
Summary
Email invitations are as effective as postal mail for recruiting general practitioners (GPs) to online trials. While not improving recruitment rates, email is simpler and more cost-effective, with reminders boosting participation for both methods.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Healthcare Management
- Clinical Trial Recruitment
Background:
- General Practitioners (GPs) are crucial for clinical trial participation.
- Effective recruitment strategies are essential for the success of online trials.
- Comparing different invitation methods can optimize resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of email versus postal invitations for recruiting GPs to an online trial.
- To assess the cost-efficiency and logistical ease of each recruitment method.
- To determine the impact of reminders on recruitment rates.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted.
- General Practitioners (GPs) in Scotland, United Kingdom, were the study participants.
- Recruitment rates, costs, and logistical factors were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A total of 270 GPs were recruited.
- Email invitations did not significantly improve recruitment compared to postal invitations (risk difference: 0.7%).
- Email invitations were substantially cheaper (£3.20 vs. £15.69 per recruit) and simpler.
- Each reminder increased recruitment by approximately 4% for both methods.
Conclusions:
- Email invitations are a viable and cost-effective alternative to postal invitations for recruiting GPs to online trials in Scotland.
- The chosen invitation method does not negatively impact recruitment success.
- Reminders are effective in enhancing participation rates regardless of the invitation method.
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