Collaborator trial recruitment

This section contains the following:

Introduction
Things to consider
Additional resources
Further reading

Introduction

The successful conduct of a clinical trial relies heavily on each participating center being involved and engaged. Promoting and marketing the trial can help to get the trial started through 'branding' of the trial, giving it a clear identity and a professional image. A recent research study (STEPS) highlighted several common factors in successfully recruitment of collaborating centres and in maintaining there enthusiasm and interest.

Importance and timeliness of the research question
Confidence that the trial design in scientifically sound
Treatment unavailable out with the trial
Firmly grounded in clinical practice
Further training for participating staff
Clinical collaborators protected from trial work load e.g. dedicated research staff
responsibilities in the trial well delineated with efficient management systems.

Things to consider

Aim to give the trial an individual identity
The name, acronym and logo should make it recognisable and memorable
If possible consult graphics experts
Use the trial identity on stationary, data forms, mugs, pens and other promotional material
Have dedicated communication systems e.g. email, telephone lines etc.

Additional resources

Strategies for promoting recruitment to trials

Power point presentation by Professor Marion Campbell. Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen.

MK Campbell et al, Recruitment to randomised trials: strategies for trial enrolment and participation study. The STEPS study HTA, 2007
Walker, A; Campbell, M; Grimshaw, J. A recruitment strategy for cluster randomized trials in secondary care settings.. J Eval Clin Pract. 2000 May;6(2):185-92.
Langston, A; McCallum, M; Campbell, M; Roberston, C; Ralston, S. An integrated approach to consumer representation and involvement in a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Clin Trials. 2005;2(1):80-7.
McDonald, A; Knight, RC; Campbell, MK; Entwistle, VA; Grant, AM; Cook, JA; Elbourne, DR; Francis, D; Garcia, J; Roberts, I; Snowdon, C. What influences recruitment to randomised controlled trials? A review of trials funded by two UK funding agencies. Trials. 2006 Apr 7;7:9..
Pocock SJ. Clinical Trials: A Practical Approach. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, 1983.