Recruitment for the Coronary Primary Prevention Trial

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular disease prevention research
• Clinical trial methodology

Background:

• Traditional recruitment for the Coronary Primary Prevention Trial relied on physician and laboratory referrals.
• This limited the speed of participant acquisition for the large-scale study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of expanded recruitment strategies for the Coronary Primary Prevention Trial.
• To identify factors influencing recruitment rates in clinical trials.

Main Methods:

• Compared participant acquisition rates from traditional sources versus community screening.
• Implemented augmented data feedback and dedicated recruitment coordinator roles.
• Analyzed recruitment timelines and identified delays from specific sources.

Main Results:

• Community screening significantly increased the rate of potential participant acquisition compared to traditional methods.
• Augmented data feedback and recruitment coordinators supported extended recruitment efforts.
• Specific recruitment sources exhibited delays in reaching maximal participant enrollment rates.

Conclusions:

• Diversifying recruitment sources, such as through community screening, enhances participant acquisition for clinical trials.
• Effective clinical trial recruitment necessitates detailed advance planning, including identifying potential delays.
• The role of a recruitment coordinator and robust data feedback are vital for successful trial enrollment.