scholarly journals Participant Recruitment and Retention in Remote eHealth Intervention Trials: Methods and Lessons Learned From a Large Randomized Controlled Trial of Two Web-Based Smoking Interventions (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noreen L Watson ◽  
Kristin E Mull ◽  
Jaimee L Heffner ◽  
Jennifer B McClure ◽  
Jonathan B Bricker
Keyword(s):  
Online Advertising ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Recruitment Strategies ◽  
Data Retention ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Participant Recruitment ◽  
Recruitment And Retention

BACKGROUND Despite having many advantages, online eHealth trials are not without challenges—notably, participant recruitment, and outcome data retention. Moreover, publications from these trials rarely provide detailed information on the methods used for recruitment and retention or discuss implications of the methods for future studies. OBJECTIVE To address this need for empirical guidance regarding recruitment and outcome data retention planning, we aim to describe the methods and lessons learned from the recruitment and retention procedures used in a large randomized trial of 2 Web-based smoking cessation interventions. METHODS To ensure a demographically and geographically diverse participant sample, we used the recruitment strategies (1) traditional, (2) Web-based, and (3) online survey panel methods and adaptively modified each in response to recruitment success. At baseline, participants indicated how they heard about the study and answered demographic questions. To maximize trial retention at each of the 3-, 6-, and 12-month assessment points, 4 survey modalities (first Web, followed by phone, mail, and postcard) were sequentially timed over a 30-day period. Participants received US $25 for submitting their responses, regardless of modality, and received an additional US $10 bonus for completing the Web survey within 24h of electronic notification. RESULTS We randomized 2637 smokers in 16 months and achieved 88% retention at 12-months. Participants (79.26% female, 72.60% Caucasian) were recruited from all 50 states. The majority of participants were recruited through Facebook (49.43%), followed by the survey panel (20.85%), free internet sources (14.54%), traditional media (11.34%), and Google ads (3.84%). Descriptively, participant demographics varied by recruitment source. Of the completed follow-up surveys, most were completed by Web (92%). Retention rates did not vary by recruitment source. CONCLUSIONS Continuous monitoring and refinement of multiple recruitment methods, particularly of online advertising campaigns, allowed us to maximize the effectiveness of recruitment strategies in recruiting a large, diverse sample of smokers. Likewise, offering multiple follow-up survey modalities in sequential order along with time-dependent bonus incentives enabled us to obtain outcome data from a very high level of enrolled participants for the duration of the trial protocol. These strategies may be similarly useful in other trials. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01812278; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01812278 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/71gy5GLvO)

scholarly journals Recruitment and Retention of Parents of Adolescents in a Text Messaging Trial (MyTeen): Secondary Analysis From a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/17723 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. e17723
Author(s):  
Joanna Ting Wai Chu ◽  
Angela Wadham ◽  
Yannan Jiang ◽  
Karolina Stasiak ◽  
Matthew Shepherd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Recruitment Strategies ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Recruitment And Retention

Background Parenting programs are well established as an effective strategy for enhancing both parenting skills and the well-being of the child. However, recruitment for family programs in clinical and nonclinical settings remains low. Objective This study aims to describe the recruitment and retention methods used in a text messaging program (MyTeen) trial for parents of adolescents (10-15 years) and identify key lessons learned. We aim to provide insights and direction for researchers who seek to recruit parents and build on the limited literature on recruitment and retention strategies for parenting program trials. Methods A recruitment plan was developed, monitored, and modified as needed throughout the course of the project. Strategies to facilitate recruitment were identified (eg, program content and recruitment material, staff characteristics, and study procedures). Traditional and web-based recruitment strategies were used. Results Over a 5-month period, 319 parents or caregivers expressed interest in our study, of which 221 agreed to participate in the study, exceeding our recruitment target of 214 participants. Attrition was low at the 1-month (4.5% overall; intervention group: n=5, 4.6%; control group: n=5, 4.5%) and 3-month follow-ups (9% overall; intervention group: n=10, 9.2%; control group: n=10, 8.9%). Conclusions The use of web-based recruitment strategies appeared to be most effective for recruiting and retaining parents in a text-messaging program trial. However, we encountered recruitment challenges (ie, underrepresentation of ethnic minority groups and fathers) similar to those reported in the literature. Therefore, efforts to engage ethnic minorities and fathers are needed. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000117213; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374307

Recruitment lessons learned from a tailored web-based health intervention Project Y.E.A.H. (Young Adults Eating and Active for Health)

2015 ◽  
Vol 115 (5) ◽  
pp. 470-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Onikia Brown ◽  
Virginia Quick ◽  
Sarah Colby ◽  
Geoffrey Greene ◽  
Tanya M. Horacek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Health Intervention ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Recruitment Strategy ◽  
Recruitment Strategies ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recruitment Methods ◽  
Successful Recruitment

Purpose – Recruiting college students for research studies can be challenging. The purpose of this paper is to describe the lessons learned in the various recruitment strategies used for enrolling college students in a theory-based, tailored, and web-delivered health intervention at 13 US universities. Design/methodology/approach – The community-based participatory research (CBPR) model was used to develop a staged-tailored, web-based, randomized control trial, focussing on eating behavior, physical activity, and stress management. Participant feedback during baseline assessments was used to evaluate recruitment strategies. Findings – Findings from this feedback suggest that traditional recruitment strategies, such as newspaper ads and flyers, may not be the best approach for recruiting college students; instead, web-based efforts proved to be a better recruitment strategy. Research limitations/implications – This project included results from 13 US universities and thus may not be generalizable: more research is needed to determine successful recruitment methods for 18-24 years old college students. Originality/value – This paper lessens the gap regarding successful recruitment strategies for 18-24 years old college students.

Recruiting and retaining young adults: What can we learn from behavioural interventions targeting nutrition, physical activity and/or obesity? A systematic review of the literature

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-46
Author(s):  
Megan C. Whatnall ◽  
Melinda J. Hutchesson ◽  
Thomas Sharkey ◽  
Rebecca L. Haslam ◽  
Aaron Bezzina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Retention Strategies ◽  
Recruitment And Retention ◽  
Reporting Practices

Abstract Objective: To describe strategies used to recruit and retain young adults in nutrition, physical activity and/or obesity intervention studies, and quantify the success and efficiency of these strategies. Design: A systematic review was conducted. The search included six electronic databases to identify RCTs published up to 6th December 2019 that evaluated nutrition, physical activity and/or obesity interventions in young adults (17-35 years). Recruitment was considered successful if the pre-determined sample size goal was met. Retention was considered acceptable if ≥80% retained for ≤6-month follow-up or ≥70% for >6-month follow-up. Results: From 21,582 manuscripts identified, 107 RCTs were included. Universities were the most common recruitment setting used in 84 studies (79%). Less than half (46%) the studies provided sufficient information to evaluate whether individual recruitment strategies met sample size goals, with 77% successfully achieving recruitment targets. Reporting for retention was slightly better with 69% of studies providing sufficient information to determine whether individual retention strategies achieved adequate retention rates. Of these, 65% had adequate retention. Conclusions: This review highlights poor reporting of recruitment and retention information across trials. Findings may not be applicable outside a university setting. Guidance on how to improve reporting practices to optimise recruitment and retention strategies within young adults could assist researchers in improving outcomes.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Participant Recruitment and Retention in Borderline Personality Disorder Research: A Feasibility Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Woo ◽  
Hamnah Shahid ◽  
Alannah Hillmer ◽  
Alamna Abdullah ◽  
Sarah Deshpande ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borderline Personality Disorder ◽  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Borderline Personality ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Psychiatric Research ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Participant Recruitment ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Recruitment And Retention

Abstract Background Previous studies have shown that stigma is a major barrier to participation in psychiatric research, and that individuals who participate in psychiatric research may differ clinically from non-participants. However, no previous study has explored research recruitment and retention challenges in the context of personality disorders. Aim To provide an analysis of the factors affecting participant recruitment and retention in a study of borderline personality disorder. Methods Adult inpatients in a tertiary psychiatric hospital were approached about participating in a cross-sectional study of borderline personality disorder. Recruitment rates, retention rates, and reasons for declining participation or withdrawing from the study were collected. Demographic characteristics were compared between participants and non-participants, and between patients who remained in the study and those who withdrew. Results A total of 70 participants were recruited into the study between January 2018 and February 2020. Recruitment and retention rates were 46% and 70%, respectively. Lack of interest was the most commonly cited reason for non-participation, followed by scheduling conflicts and concerns regarding mental/physical well-being. Age and sex were not predictors of study participation or retention. Conclusions More research is needed to explore patients’ perspectives and attitudes towards borderline personality disorder diagnosis and research; determine effects of different recruitment strategies; and identify clinical predictors of recruitment and retention in personality disorder research. Trial registration: The study was not registered as it did not involve the provision of a health care intervention to human participants.

scholarly journals Use of Rideshare Services to Increase Participant Recruitment and Retention in Research: Participant Perspectives (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Ladd Schneider Leavens ◽  
Elise Marie Stevens ◽  
Emma Irene Brett ◽  
Neil Molina ◽  
Thad Ryan Leffingwell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Research Participant ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Participant Recruitment ◽  
Recruitment And Retention ◽  
Participant Perspectives ◽  
Trial Participants

BACKGROUND Recruitment and retention of participants are important factors in empirical studies. Methods that increase recruitment and retention can reduce costs and burden on researchers related to the need for over-recruitment because of attrition. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are a potential means for decreasing this burden. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand the role rideshare utilization plays in participant recruitment and retention in research trials. METHODS Data are presented for a study (N=42) in which rideshare services were utilized for participant transportation to and from study visits during a 2-session, in-laboratory research study. RESULTS Retention at visit 2 was greater than 95% (42/44) in the initial study. In a follow-up survey of the participants from the original trial, participants (N=32) reported that the rideshare service was an important reason they returned for all study visits. Participants reported whether they would prefer differing levels of additional monetary compensation or a ride from a rideshare service. When the additional compensation was less than US $15, participants reported a preference for the rideshare service. CONCLUSIONS Rideshare services may represent a relatively low cost means for increasing study retention. Specifically, findings indicate that rideshare services may not be crucial for initial participant recruitment but for their retention in multi-visit studies.

scholarly journals Factors affecting participant recruitment and retention in borderline personality disorder research: a feasibility study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Woo ◽  
Hamnah Shahid ◽  
Alannah Hillmer ◽  
Alamna Abdullah ◽  
Sarah Deshpande ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borderline Personality Disorder ◽  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Borderline Personality ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Psychiatric Research ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Participant Recruitment ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Recruitment And Retention

Abstract Background Previous studies have shown that stigma is a major barrier to participation in psychiatric research and that individuals who participate in psychiatric research may differ clinically and demographically from non-participants. However, few studies have explored research recruitment and retention challenges in the context of personality disorders. Aim To provide an analysis of the factors affecting participant recruitment and retention in a study of borderline personality disorder among general psychiatric inpatients. Methods Adult inpatients in a tertiary psychiatric hospital were approached about participating in a cross-sectional study of borderline personality disorder. Recruitment rates, retention rates, and reasons for declining participation or withdrawing from the study were collected. Demographic characteristics were compared between participants and non-participants and between patients who remained in the study and those who withdrew. Results A total of 71 participants were recruited into the study between January 2018 and March 2020. Recruitment and retention rates were 45% and 70%, respectively. Lack of interest was the most commonly cited reason for non-participation, followed by scheduling conflicts and concerns regarding mental/physical well-being. Age and sex were not predictors of study participation or retention. Conclusions More research is needed to explore patients’ perspectives and attitudes towards borderline personality disorder diagnosis and research, determine effects of different recruitment strategies, and identify clinical predictors of recruitment and retention in personality disorder research.

scholarly journals Recruitment and Retention Strategies of Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers in Family-based Intervention Studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 911-911
Author(s):  
Ting Guan ◽  
Yousef Qan’ir ◽  
Ahrang Jung ◽  
Shenmeng Xu ◽  
Eno Idiagbonya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Retention Strategies ◽  
Planning Stage ◽  
Recruitment And Retention ◽  
Family Based

Abstract Family-based psychosocial behavioral interventions (PBIs) that target both the cancer patients and their caregivers may more effectively help them with self-care and improve quality of life; however, family-based PBIs often face unique challenges during study implementation. This systematic review aimed to a) examine the recruitment and retention rates of cancer patients and their caregivers in clinical trials testing family-based PBIs; and b) explore the recruitment and retention strategies. We systematically searched five electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials that tested family-based psychosocial or behavioral interventions among adult patients with cancer and their adult family caregivers. Our searches yielded 48 studies. The average recruitment rates of patients and caregivers were 56.8% (SD=31.8%; range=8-100%) and 54.5% (SD=32.4%; range=8-100%), respectively. The majority of the studies have focused on white and female patients and caregivers. The average retention rate at end of follow-up times was 69.1%. Only 13 studies reported retention strategies, including providing money/gift cards upon returning of each follow-up survey or study completion, and excluding advanced cancer patients. Reasons for attrition, i.e., dropping out of studies, were classified as: health-related (e.g., death, illness, psychological distress), intervention-related (e.g., intervention does not meet expectation, frustration with group allocation, intervention burden) and other reasons (e.g. lack of time, unable to establish contact). Recruitment and retention of patients and caregivers in family-based PBI are integral to the success of interventions. Researchers need to incorporate effective strategies for optimizing recruitment and retention at the planning stage of their studies.

scholarly journals Singing for people with aphasia (SPA): results of a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial of a group singing intervention investigating acceptability and feasibility

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e040544
Author(s):  
Mark Tarrant ◽  
Mary Carter ◽  
Sarah Gerard Dean ◽  
Rod Taylor ◽  
Fiona C Warren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Recruitment And Retention ◽  
Intervention Delivery ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectivesPilot feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) for the singing groups for people with aphasia (SPA) intervention to assess: (1) the acceptability and feasibility of participant recruitment, randomisation and allocation concealment; (2) retention rates; (3) variance of continuous outcome measures; (4) outcome measure completion and participant burden; (5) fidelity of intervention delivery; (6) SPA intervention costs; (7) acceptability and feasibility of trial and intervention to participants and others involved.DesignA two-group, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled external pilot trial with parallel mixed methods process evaluation and economic evaluation.SettingThree community-based cohorts in the South-West of England.ParticipantsEligible participants with post-stroke aphasia were randomised 1:1 to SPA or control.InterventionThe manualised SPA intervention was delivered over 10 weekly singing group sessions, led by a music facilitator and assisted by an individual with post-stroke aphasia. The intervention was developed using the Information-Motivation-Behavioural skills model of behaviour change and targeted psychosocial outcomes. Control and intervention participants all received an aphasia information resource pack.Outcome measuresCollected at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-randomisation, candidate primary outcomes were measured (well-being, quality of life and social participation) as well as additional clinical outcomes. Feasibility, acceptability and process outcomes included recruitment and retention rates, and measurement burden; and trial experiences were explored in qualitative interviews.ResultsOf 87 individuals screened, 42 participants were recruited and 41 randomised (SPA=20, control=21); 36 participants (SPA=17, control=19) completed 3-month follow-up, 34 (SPA=18, control=16) completed 6-month follow-up. Recruitment and retention (83%) were acceptable for a definitive RCT, and participants did not find the study requirements burdensome. High fidelity of the intervention delivery was shown by high attendance rates and facilitator adherence to the manual, and participants found SPA acceptable. Sample size estimates for a definitive RCT and primary/secondary outcomes were identified.ConclusionsThe SPA pilot RCT fulfilled its objectives, and demonstrated that a definitive RCT of the intervention would be both feasible and acceptable.Trial registration numberNCT03076736.

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