Establishing a database of patients with diabetes and an interest in research participation

To establish interest in medical research and student training, based on demographics of those attending public-funded diabetes services and types of research.

Patients who attended the Auckland Diabetes Centre (ADC) between July 2018 and July 2019 were invited via text message (SMS) to register their interest in being contacted for future health research projects and medical training. Consenting adults were enrolled in the Auckland Diabetes Centre Volunteer Database (ADCVD) and sent a survey on the acceptability of various types of research and factors influencing participation. Relationships between ADCVD enrolment and other variables were determined using Fisher's exact test. Qualitative data were coded to generate key themes using an inductive approach.

Of 2,884 patients contacted, 527 were enrolled in the ADCVD (response rate: 18.3%); and of these, 176 completed surveys (response rate: 33.3%). Most respondents were NZ European (n=92, 52.3%), male (n=125, 70.6%), and from the least deprived areas (n=35, 19.9%). The type of research did not affect interest. Motivations to participate centred around a hope to improve their own diabetes and that of future generations.

SMS-based recruitment from a diabetes clinic results in modest interest in participation in teaching and research from predominantly those of NZ European ethnicity and living in areas of least socio-economic deprivation.