CATCH: challenges of conducting process evaluation in a multicenter trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• School-based trials require robust process evaluation for effective intervention implementation.
• Multicenter field trials, like the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH), involve complex logistical and operational challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and discuss the challenges encountered during process evaluation data collection in a large-scale, school-based multicenter trial.
• To share practical strategies for overcoming these challenges, using the CATCH trial as a case study.

Main Methods:

• The study draws on experiences from the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH), a large multicenter trial involving 96 schools.
• Qualitative analysis of challenges and proposed solutions related to data collection in a structured school environment.

Main Results:

• Challenges include determining data scope and collection methods, adapting to tailored interventions, securing school cooperation, and managing data quality.
• Specific issues arise from the trial's scale, diverse population, and the structured nature of school settings.

Conclusions:

• Successful process evaluation in school-based trials necessitates strategic planning for data collection, intervention fidelity, stakeholder engagement, and data integrity.
• Addressing logistical and contextual challenges is crucial for the validity and success of multicenter school-based health interventions.