Improving clinical trial accrual through a novel feedback approach: Lessons learned from a single disease site group

Physician participation is critical for the success of clinical trials. Many efforts have been made to aid physicians with accrual. The aim of our study was to determine what impact a new feedback initiative had on clinical trial accrual and recruitment within a large disease site group.

A novel feedback initiative was implemented within a large multidisciplinary disease site group. Feedback on trial recruitment by physician and by study for the month and year to date was formally presented at the end of each trial month at weekly tumor board meetings. In addition, the feedback was sent via email. Trial recruitment was assessed both preintervention and postintervention.

A 9-month reporting period both preintervention and postintervention are reported. Total accruals within each observation window were 79 versus 209 patients, respectively. Preintervention, the mean number of patients accrued per month was 8.44 (range, 2-16). Postintervention, the mean number of patients accrued was 23.2 (range, 14-48). Preintervention, physicians only accrued to trials within their specialty. Postintervention, this improved by 4% monthly.

Physicians play a key role in the success of clinical trials. By adopting a simple monthly feedback communication initiative, we were able to improve clinical trial accruals. Long-term assessment is required to understand longitudinal impact on accrual rates.