Pelvic floor disorders clinical trials: participant recruitment and retention

We used a focus-group methodology to gather information about women's knowledge and attitudes regarding research participation.

Two in-person focus groups at seven clinical sites were conducted in women with pelvic floor disorder (PFD): one of women with clinical trial study experience and the other without such experience. One Web-based focus group combining both groups was also conducted.

One hundred and five women (average age 58.6 years) participated. Participants in both groups believed that their physicians were the best source of information about clinical trials yet felt that other sources of trial information were important. Financial compensation was not a primary motivating factor for PFD trial enrollment but was, however, cited as an important consideration. Internet collection of data was feasible and provided information comparable with in-person focus groups.

This study identified central themes guiding successful recruitment to and retention in PFD-related trials and provided insight regarding strategies that may guide future trials.