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Published on: July 22, 2019
A comparison of recruitment methods for an osteoarthritis exercise study
Summary
Recruiting patients for osteoarthritis (OA) studies can be cost-effective. Physician referrals from affiliated clinics were the most successful method, proving that expensive advertising isn't always necessary for successful patient recruitment.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Trial Management
Background:
- Patient recruitment is a significant challenge in clinical research, often demanding substantial resources.
- Osteoarthritis (OA) studies require effective strategies to enroll a sufficient participant pool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify successful recruitment methods for an osteoarthritis (OA) exercise study.
- To prioritize and implement the most effective, low-cost recruitment approaches.
Main Methods:
- Eleven distinct recruitment strategies were employed over a 20-month period.
- Data on total respondents and study participants were systematically recorded.
- Focus was placed on low-cost recruitment measures due to financial constraints.
Main Results:
- A total of 263 individuals responded, with 108 ultimately participating in the study.
- Physician referrals from affiliated clinics emerged as the most successful recruitment channel.
- Recruitment methods with no direct cost demonstrated comparable success rates to those involving expenditure.
Conclusions:
- Cost-effective recruitment strategies are feasible for large-scale clinical studies.
- Direct communication and consistent follow-up within established clinics are highly effective.
- Free and low-cost recruitment methods offer valuable alternatives to expensive advertising campaigns.
