Barriers and facilitators to participant recruitment to randomised controlled trials: A qualitative perspective

Low recruitment rates for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are a common issue. Information on barriers and facilitators to recruitment for RCTs may inform researchers on how to improve the recruitment rate. The aim of this qualitative project was to identify barriers and facilitators to participant recruitment for a randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled trial on the clinical effectiveness of aspirin as an adjunct to compression therapy in healing chronic venous leg ulcers. We have conducted interviews with health professionals and project workers to understand their perspective on low recruitment rate, barriers to, and facilitators of recruitment. NVivo 11 software was used for data management and coding. Thematic analysis was applied as a method of data analysis. Although strict recruitment criteria were the main barrier, there were other recruitment barriers that should be considered when planning RCTs. We have further developed a framework of factors influencing the recruitment rate. The main recruitment barriers, including study-related, participant-related, practitioner-related, collaboration-related, ethics-related, practice-related, and health system-related barriers, should be considered for inclusion in the "Other Information" section of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials Statement to improve the quality of reporting and ensure the strategic planning of future RCTs.