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MacNeil M, Benoit B, Disher T, Newman AJ, Campbell-Yeo M. Challenges and best practices for recruiting families of children with intellectual disabilities for health research. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2024:17446295241255178. [PMID: 38753497 DOI: 10.1177/17446295241255178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Research focused on children with intellectual disabilities has been of increasing interest over the last two decades. However, a considerable lag in the amount of research that is representative and generalizable to this population in comparison to neurotypical children remains, largely attributed to issues with participant engagement and recruitment. Challenges and barriers associated with engaging and recruiting this population include lack of research to provide a sound foundation of knowledge, ethical considerations, parental attitudes, family commitments, and organizational gatekeeping. Researchers can engage children and their families using participatory research methods, honouring the child's right to assent, and collaborating with parents. Recruitment strategies include partnering with organizations, working with parent and patient partners, and using remote methods. Employing evidence-informed engagement and recruitment strategies may provide substantial social and scientific value to the research field by ensuring that this underrepresented population benefits equitably from research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan MacNeil
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- MOM-LINC Lab, IWK Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Britney Benoit
- Rankin School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS, Canada
| | - Timothy Disher
- EVERSANA, Burlington, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Aaron J Newman
- Department of Pediatrics, Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Marsha Campbell-Yeo
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- MOM-LINC Lab, IWK Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Davis S, Pandor A, Sampson FC, Hamilton J, Nelson-Piercy C, Hunt BJ, Daru J, Goodacre S, Carser R, Rooney G, Clowes M. Thromboprophylaxis during pregnancy and the puerperium: a systematic review and economic evaluation to estimate the value of future research. Health Technol Assess 2024; 28:1-176. [PMID: 38476084 PMCID: PMC11017156 DOI: 10.3310/dfwt3873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacological prophylaxis to prevent venous thromboembolism is currently recommended for women assessed as being at high risk of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy or in the 6 weeks after delivery (the puerperium). The decision to provide thromboprophylaxis involves weighing the benefits, harms and costs, which vary according to the individual's venous thromboembolism risk. It is unclear whether the United Kingdom's current risk stratification approach could be improved by further research. Objectives To quantify the current decision uncertainty associated with selecting women who are pregnant or in the puerperium for thromboprophylaxis and to estimate the value of one or more potential future studies that would reduce that uncertainty, while being feasible and acceptable to patients and clinicians. Methods A decision-analytic model was developed which was informed by a systematic review of risk assessment models to predict venous thromboembolism in women who are pregnant or in the puerperium. Expected value of perfect information analysis was used to determine which factors are associated with high decision uncertainty and should be the target of future research. To find out whether future studies would be acceptable and feasible, we held workshops with women who have experienced a blood clot or have been offered blood-thinning drugs and surveyed healthcare professionals. Expected value of sample information analysis was used to estimate the value of potential future research studies. Results The systematic review included 17 studies, comprising 19 unique externally validated risk assessment models and 1 internally validated model. Estimates of sensitivity and specificity were highly variable ranging from 0% to 100% and 5% to 100%, respectively. Most studies had unclear or high risk of bias and applicability concerns. The decision analysis found that there is substantial decision uncertainty regarding the use of risk assessment models to select high-risk women for antepartum prophylaxis and obese postpartum women for postpartum prophylaxis. The main source of decision uncertainty was uncertainty around the effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis for preventing venous thromboembolism in women who are pregnant or in the puerperium. We found that a randomised controlled trial of thromboprophylaxis in obese postpartum women is likely to have substantial value and is more likely to be acceptable and feasible than a trial recruiting women who have had a previous venous thromboembolism. In unselected postpartum women and women following caesarean section, the poor performance of risk assessment models meant that offering prophylaxis based on these models had less favourable cost effectiveness with lower decision uncertainty. Limitations The performance of the risk assessment model for obese postpartum women has not been externally validated. Conclusions Future research should focus on estimating the efficacy of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in pregnancy and the puerperium, and clinical trials would be more acceptable in women who have not had a previous venous thromboembolism. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42020221094. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR131021) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 9. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Davis
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Abdullah Pandor
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Fiona C Sampson
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jean Hamilton
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Beverley J Hunt
- Haematology and Pathology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jahnavi Daru
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Steve Goodacre
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Rosie Carser
- Patient and Public Involvement, Thrombosis UK, Llanwrda, UK
| | - Gill Rooney
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mark Clowes
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Caljé E, Oyston C, Wang Z, Bloomfield F, Marriott J, Dixon L, Groom K. The fatigue after infusion or transfusion pilot trial and feasibility study: A three-armed randomized pilot trial of intravenous iron and blood transfusion for the treatment of postpartum anemia. Transfusion 2024; 64:301-314. [PMID: 38149691 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence for the management of moderate-to-severe postpartum anemia is limited. A randomized trial is needed; recruitment may be challenging. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Randomized pilot trial with feasibility surveys. INCLUSION hemoglobin 65-79 g/L, ≤7 days of birth, hemodynamically stable. EXCLUSION ongoing heavy bleeding; already received, or contraindication to intravenous (IV)-iron or red blood cell transfusion (RBC-T). Intervention/control: IV-iron; RBC-T; or IV-iron and RBC-T. PRIMARY OUTCOME number of recruits; proportion of those approached; proportion considered potentially eligible. SECONDARY OUTCOMES fatigue, depression, baby-feeding, and hemoglobin at 1, 6 and 12 weeks; ferritin at 6 and 12 weeks. Surveys explored attitudes to trial participation. RESULTS Over 16 weeks and three sites, 26/34 (76%) women approached consented to trial participation, including eight (31%) Māori women. Of those potentially eligible, 26/167 (15.6%) consented to participate. Key participation enablers were altruism and study relevance. For clinicians and stakeholders the availability of research assistance was the key barrier/enabler. Between-group rates of fatigue and depression were similar. Although underpowered to address secondary outcomes, IV-iron and RBC-T compared with RBC-T were associated with higher hemoglobin concentrations at 6 (mean difference [MD] 11.7 g/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7-20.7) and 12 (MD 12.8 g/L, 95% CI 1.5-24.2) weeks, and higher ferritin concentrations at 6 weeks (MD 136.8 mcg/L, 95% CI 76.6-196.9). DISCUSSION Willingness to participate supports feasibility for a future trial assessing the effectiveness of IV-iron and RBC-T for postpartum anemia. Dedicated research assistance will be critical to the success of an appropriately powered trial including women-centered outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Caljé
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charlotte Oyston
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Zeke Wang
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Frank Bloomfield
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joy Marriott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lesley Dixon
- New Zealand College of Midwives, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Katie Groom
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- National Women's Health, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
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Goldstein KM, Kung LCY, Dailey SA, Kroll-Desrosiers A, Burke C, Shepherd-Banigan M, Lumsden R, Sims C, Schexnayder J, Patel D, Cantrell S, Sheahan KL, Gierisch JM. Strategies for enhancing the representation of women in clinical trials: an evidence map. Syst Rev 2024; 13:2. [PMID: 38166994 PMCID: PMC10759390 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02408-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equitable sex- and gender-based representation in clinical trials is an essential step to ensuring evidence-based care for women. While multi-institutional actions have led to significant improvements in the inclusion of women in trials, inequity persists in areas like sex-neutral cancers and cardiovascular disease. We sought to identify strategies described or evaluated to boost the inclusion of women in clinical trials. METHODS We used evidence mapping methodology to examine the breadth of relevant literature. We developed an a priori protocol and followed reporting guidance from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis where applicable. We searched MEDLINE® (via PubMed) and EMBASE (via Elsevier) databases from inception through April 4, 2023, and used standardized procedures incorporating duplication and data verification. We included articles that described strategies to improve the recruitment and retention of women in clinical trials. RESULTS We identified 122 articles describing recruitment and retention strategies for 136 trials (377,595 women). Only one article distinguished between the sex and gender identity of participants, and none defined their use of the terms such as "women" or "female". The majority of articles (95%) described recruitment for only women, and 64% were conducted in the USA. Ninety-two articles (75%) described strategies in the context of sex-specific conditions (e.g., gynecologic diagnosis). The majority of included articles evaluated a behavioral intervention (52%), with 23% evaluating pharmacologic interventions and 4% invasive interventions. The most common trial phase for reported strategies was during outreach to potential participants (116 articles), followed by intervention delivery (76), enrollment (40), outcomes assessment (21), analysis and interpretation (3), and dissemination (4). We describe specific types of strategies within each of these phases. CONCLUSIONS Most of the existing literature describing strategies to improve the inclusion of women draws from trials for sex-specific conditions and is largely related to outreach to potential participants. There is little information about how and if studies have attempted to proportionally increase the inclusion of women in trials with both men and women or those focused on invasive and pharmacologic interventions. Future work in this area should focus on how to increase the participation of women in mixed-sex studies and on those areas with remaining inequities in trial participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Goldstein
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, 40 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Lindsay Chi Yan Kung
- Health Management & Policy, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-4162, USA
| | - Susan Alton Dailey
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Aimee Kroll-Desrosiers
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, 421 North Main Street, Leeds, MA, 01053, USA
- UMass Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Ave. N, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Colleen Burke
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Megan Shepherd-Banigan
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, 100 Fuqua Drive, Box 90120, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Rebecca Lumsden
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, 40 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Catherine Sims
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Duke Rheumatology Division, 40 Duke Medicine Circle Clinic 1j, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Julie Schexnayder
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, NB545 1720 2nd, Ave S, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Dhara Patel
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Sarah Cantrell
- Duke University Medical Center Library & Archives, Duke University School of Medicine 10 Searle Drive, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | - Jennifer M Gierisch
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, 40 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
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Scott TA, Mercedes CR, Lin HM, Katz D. Motivations and demographic differences in pregnant individuals in the decision to participate in research. Can J Anaesth 2024; 71:87-94. [PMID: 37919628 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02635-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although many patients agree to participate in research studies, many decline. The decision of whether or not to participate is especially complex in pregnant individuals as they may be concerned about both themselves and the fetus. We sought to understand patient reasoning for and demographic associations with participation in a trial surrounding the utility of epidural preservative-free morphine after successful vaginal delivery. METHODS We conducted a survey-based study in which parturients were approached within 36 hr after delivery to complete a survey assessing reasons for why they participated or not in the original trial. The survey also included self-reported demographics. Survey responses were categorized as follows: active participation, passive participation, ambivalence, aversion, miscommunication, clinical difficulty, unwilling to receive placebo, and screening failures. RESULTS The survey response rate was 47%. Having a bachelor's degree or higher was associated with participating in the study (odds ratio [OR], 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 3.64; P = 0.03). Race and ethnicity were not predictive of participation. Participants who self-identified as Black were more likely to select reasons of aversion for why they did not participate in the trial (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.00 to 6.75; P = 0.05). Seventy-three percent of participants who self-identified as Black and declined to participate selected aversion, compared with 31% of those who self-identified as non-Black. Additionally, 71% of participants who self-identified as Hispanic and declined to participate selected aversion, compared with 32% of those who self-identified as non-Hispanic. CONCLUSIONS These findings can help identify areas for improvement of participation of pregnant individuals in research studies. Demographic associations may influence participation and reasons for participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia A Scott
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1010, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Cynthia R Mercedes
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hung-Mo Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Katz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Mahapatro M, Roy S, Nayar P, Panchkaran S, Jadhav A. Adherence to behavioural intervention in RCT study by the women experiencing domestic violence and attending ANC in a public hospital in India-an analysis. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2023; 2:100126. [PMID: 38515486 PMCID: PMC10953984 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2023.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Background The paper aims to identify the factors for effective implementation and adherence to the behavioural intervention package by women experiencing domestic violence (DV) and attending ANC in a public hospital. Methods A qualitative study was undertaken with 211 pregnant women experiencing DV and attending antenatal care (ANC) at the LN Hospital, New Delhi. The intervention was given to women recruited under the RCT study. The narratives were analysed under two broad themes, impeding and facilitating factors, with nine sub-themes. Findings Impeding factors are external factors generated by the structural interaction of the participants, whereas facilitating factors are supplied internally in the trial to eliminate the influence of impeding factors and singulate the factors under study. Our results show that despite the plethora of impeding factors (nine), the overall sum impact of impeding factors falls short of the positive impact of facilitating factors (nine), which were minor adjustments but reinforce participation in the trial and adherence with 97% follow-up rates. Interpretation Our study findings are expected to reset the treatment protocol, which entails converting impeding factors into facilitating factors for appropriate adherence and compliance and adequate access and utilization of public services. The sensitization of healthcare providers to the impact of the quality of human interaction on the patient and its impact on the uptake of healthcare services and adherence is needed, particularly in the public hospitals of India. Funding Funds received for the research are from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, Government of India.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sudeshna Roy
- National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Poonam Nayar
- National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Suruchi Panchkaran
- National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ashwini Jadhav
- National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi 110067, India
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Alvarez M, Hotton EJ, Harding S, Ives J, Crofts JF, Wade J. Women's and midwives' views on the optimum process for informed consent for research in a feasibility study involving an intrapartum intervention: a qualitative study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:98. [PMID: 37322539 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01330-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruitment to intrapartum research is complex. Women are expected to understand unfamiliar terminology and assess potential harm versus benefit to their baby and themselves, often when an urgent intervention is required. Time pressures of intrapartum interventions are a major challenge for recruitment discussions taking place during labour, with research midwives expected to present, discuss and answer questions whilst maintaining equipoise. However, little is known about these interactions. An integrated qualitative study (IQS) was used to investigate information provision for women invited to participate in the Assist II feasibility study investigating the OdonAssist™-a novel device for use in assisted vaginal birth with an aim to generate a framework of good practice for information provision. METHODS Transcripts of in-depth interviews with women participants (n = 25), with recruiting midwives (n = 6) and recruitment discussions between midwives and women (n = 21), accepting or declining participation, were coded and interpreted using thematic analysis and content analysis to investigate what was helpful to women and what could be improved. RESULTS Recruiting women to intrapartum research is complicated by factors that impact on women's understanding and decision-making. Three key themes were derived from the data: (i) a woman-centred recruitment process, (ii) optimising the recruitment discussion and (iii) making a decision for two. CONCLUSION Despite evidence from the literature that women would like information provision and the research discussion to take place in the antenatal period, intrapartum studies still vary in the recruitment processes they offer women. Particularly concerning is that some women are given information for the first time whilst in labour, when they are known to feel particularly vulnerable, and contextual factors may influence decision-making; therefore, we propose a framework for good practice for information provision for research involving interventions initiated in the intrapartum period as a woman centred, and acceptable model of recruitment, which addresses the concerns of women and midwives and facilitates fair inclusion into intrapartum trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN. This qualitative research was undertaken as part of the ASSIST II Trial (trial registration number: ISRCTN38829082. Prospectively registered on 26/06/2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Alvarez
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, BS10 5NB, Bristol, UK.
- Bristol Medical School, Bristol University, BS8 2PS, Bristol, UK.
| | - Emily J Hotton
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, BS10 5NB, Bristol, UK
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol University, Bristol, UK
| | - Sam Harding
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, BS10 5NB, Bristol, UK
- Research and Innovation, Learning and Research Building, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, BS10 5NB, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Ives
- Bristol Medical School, Bristol University, BS8 2PS, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Ethics in Medicine, Bristol University, Bristol, UK
| | - Joanna F Crofts
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, BS10 5NB, Bristol, UK
| | - Julia Wade
- Bristol Medical School, Bristol University, BS8 2PS, Bristol, UK
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Lovell H, Silverio SA, Story L, Skelton E, Matthew J. Factors which influence ethnic minority women's participation in maternity research: A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282088. [PMID: 36827386 PMCID: PMC9956875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women from Black, Asian and mixed ethnicity backgrounds in the UK experience higher rates of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, and report poorer experiences of maternity care. Research is required to understand how to reduce these disparities, however, it is acknowledged these groups of women are under-represented in clinical research. AIM To investigate factors which influence participation in maternity research for women from an ethnic minority background. METHODS A systematic review was conducted to examine influencing factors for research participation. MEDLINE/CINHAL/PsycInfo/EMBASE databases were systematically searched in March 2021 and updated in March 2022. Papers were eligible if they explored maternal research participation and identified a woman's ethnicity in the results. No restrictions were placed on methodology. A convergent integrated approach was used to synthesise findings. FINDINGS A total of 14 papers met the inclusion criteria. Results were divided into eight overarching themes. A personalised approach to recruitment and incorporating culturally sensitive communication and considerations enhanced research participation. Distrust around sharing data, a perception of risk to research participation, and research lacking in personal relevance adversely affected the decision to participate. Large variation existed in the quality of the studies reviewed. CONCLUSIONS Consideration of a woman's culture and background in the design and the delivery of a maternity research study may facilitate participation, particularly when sampling from a specific population. Further research, informed by women from ethnic minority backgrounds is warranted to develop women-centred recommendations for conducting inclusive maternity research. Prospero registration: www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42021261686.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Lovell
- Maternity Services, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sergio A. Silverio
- Department of Women & Children’s Health, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Story
- Maternity Services, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Women & Children’s Health, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Skelton
- Division of Radiography and Midwifery, City University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Matthew
- Maternity Services, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Guttmann KF, Li S, Wu YW, Juul SE, Wilfond BS, Weiss EM. Factors That Impact Hospital-Specific Enrollment Rates for a Neonatal Clinical Trial: An Analysis of the HEAL Study. Ethics Hum Res 2023; 45:29-38. [PMID: 36691692 PMCID: PMC9969810 DOI: 10.1002/eahr.500154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Inconsistent enrollment among hospitals for neonatal clinical trials may lead to study populations that are not representative of the patient population in the neonatal intensive care unit. The High-Dose Erythropoietin for Asphyxia and Encephalopathy (HEAL) trial was a multisite randomized clinical trial investigating erythropoietin as a neuroprotective treatment for term infants (those born between 37 and 42 complete weeks) with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Substantial variability was noted in enrollment rate by hospital. We developed survey questions across five conceptual domains to understand systems-level issues that might contribute to variation in enrollment rate by hospital. Our study found that hospitals varied in their responses across these five domains. We propose three potential reasons that we found a lack of identifiable hospital-level factors that correlated with enrollment rates: sample-size limitations, methodological concerns, and confounding factors. Future studies with a larger sample size should be considered to evaluate contributors to hospital-level variability. This will lead to more robust recruitment strategies, improved enrollment, and decreases in the waste of research resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine F. Guttmann
- assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | - Sijia Li
- doctoral student in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Washington School of Public Health
| | - Yvonne W. Wu
- professor of neurology and pediatrics in the Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
| | - Sandra E. Juul
- professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine
| | - Benjamin S. Wilfond
- professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute
| | - Elliott Mark Weiss
- associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute
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- Membership of the HEAL Recruitment Collaborative consists of Kaashif Ahmad, Uchenna E. Anani, Laura Bledsoe, Taeun Chang, Leah Engelstad, John B. Feltner, Fernando F. Gonzalez, Katherine F. Guttmann, Erin M. Havrilla, John Ibrahim, Sandra E. Juul, Sijia Li, Elizabeth N. Reichert, David Riley, Elliott Mark Weiss, Benjamin S. Wilfond, Tai-Wei Wu, Yvonne W. Wu, and Toby Debra Yanowitz
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Hanrahan V, Lawrie L, Duncan E, Biesty L, Gillies K. Development of a co-designed behaviour change intervention aimed at healthcare professionals recruiting to clinical trials in maternity care. Trials 2022; 23:870. [PMID: 36224619 PMCID: PMC9556136 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06816-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The evidence on what strategies can improve recruitment to clinical trials in maternity care is lacking. As trial recruiters, maternity healthcare professionals (MHCPs) perform behaviours (e.g. talking about trials with potential participants, distributing trial information) they may not ordinarily do outside of the trial. Most trial recruitment interventions do not provide any theoretical basis for the potential effect (on behaviour) or describe if stakeholders were involved during development. The study aim was to use behavioural theory in a co-design process to develop an intervention for MHCPs tasked with approaching all eligible potential participants and inviting them to join a maternity trial and to assess the acceptability and feasibility of such an intervention. Methods This study applied a step-wise sequential mixed-methods approach. Key stages were informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework and Behaviour Change Techniques (BCT) Taxonomy to map the accounts of MHCPs, with regard to challenges to trial recruitment, to theoretically informed behaviour change strategies. Our recruitment intervention was co-designed during workshops with MHCPs and maternity service users. Acceptability and feasibility of our intervention was assessed using an online questionnaire based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) and involved a range of trial stakeholders. Results Two co-design workshops, with a total of nine participants (n = 7 MHCP, n = 2 maternity service users), discussed thirteen BCTs as potential solutions. Ten BCTs, broadly covering Consequences and Reframing, progressed to intervention development. Forty-five trial stakeholders (clinical midwives, research midwives/nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and trial team members) participated in the online TFA questionnaire. The intervention was perceived effective, coherent, and not burdensome to engage with. Core areas for future refinement included Anticipated opportunity and Self-efficacy. Conclusion We developed a behaviour change recruitment intervention which is based on the accounts of MHCP trial recruiters and developed in a co-design process. Overall, the intervention was deemed acceptable. Future evaluation of the intervention will establish its effectiveness in enabling MHCPs to invite all eligible people to participate in a maternity care trial, and determine whether this translates into an increase in maternity trial recruitment rates. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06816-6.
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Hanrahan V, Biesty L, Lawrie L, Duncan E, Gillies K. Theory-guided interviews identified behavioral barriers and enablers to healthcare professionals recruiting participants to maternity trials. J Clin Epidemiol 2022; 145:81-91. [PMID: 35081447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a behavioral investigation, using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), to identify barriers and enablers to maternity healthcare professionals (HCP) inviting all eligible women to participate in a maternity care trial. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We invited HCP recruiters from maternity care trials in high priority research areas including, diabetes, preeclampsia and breastfeeding, from across Ireland and the UK, to take part in a semi-structured interview. Data collection was informed by the TDF, followed by inductive thematic analysis and deductive mapping to the TDF. RESULTS Twenty-two recruiters including midwives, nurses, allied health professionals and doctors were interviewed online or by telephone phone. Thematic analysis generated four global themes; Availability and accessibility of resources, Navigating the recruitment pathway, Prioritising clinical responsibilities over research responsibilities and The influence of colleagues and peers. Themes were mapped to the TDF, identifying 13 domains relevant to the behaviour. CONCLUSION This paper identifies the factors enabling or inhibiting maternity HCP recruiters to invite all eligible women to participate in a maternity care trial. The findings provide guidance for researchers designing trials for this population and the essential first step in developing a recruiter-focused behaviour change intervention to support recruitment to trials in maternity care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivienne Hanrahan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Áras Moyola, Upper Newcastle, Galway, Ireland; Health Research Board - Trial Methodology Research Network, Áras Moyola, NUI Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Linda Biesty
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Áras Moyola, Upper Newcastle, Galway, Ireland
| | - Louisa Lawrie
- Health Services Research Unit, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Eilidh Duncan
- Health Services Research Unit, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Katie Gillies
- Health Services Research Unit, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
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12
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Marshall S, Xu H, Taki S, Laird Y, Love P, Wen LM, Rissel C. Engagement, satisfaction, retention and behavioural outcomes of linguistically diverse mothers and infants participating in an Australian early obesity prevention trial. Health Promot J Austr 2021; 33:350-360. [PMID: 34245623 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early obesity prevention research interventions in Australia generally expect participants to be able to communicate in English, but do not account for other languages. This study aimed to investigate engagement, satisfaction, retention and behavioural outcomes of linguistically diverse participants from a mainstream early childhood obesity prevention trial. METHODS Healthy Beginnings is a nurse-led intervention based in Sydney, supporting families with optimal infant feeding and active play via telephone. This secondary analysis assessed participant engagement in the nurse telephone calls (call completions), satisfaction and behavioural outcomes (6- and 12-month survey data) and retention (survey completions), in the first year of life according to participants' language spoken at home (English or other language). RESULTS Of 1155 mothers, 533 (46%) spoke a language other than English at home. Significantly fewer mothers speaking a language other than English completed the 6-month survey (79%) compared to those speaking English (84%), yet mothers speaking a language other than English who completed the program were more satisfied with the program overall. Significantly fewer mothers speaking a language other than English completed the final four nurse calls (of six) (56%-65%) compared to those speaking English (70%-80%). Adjusted odds ratios showed selected behavioural outcomes were significantly more positive for participants speaking English at home. CONCLUSIONS Healthy Beginnings trial participants who spoke a language other than English at home had less favourable engagement, retention and behavioural outcomes compared to those who spoke English. So what? Early obesity prevention interventions should consider cultural adaptations to improve engagement and effectiveness among culturally and linguistically diverse families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Marshall
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH CRE), Sydney, Australia
| | - Huilan Xu
- Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research and Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Taki
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH CRE), Sydney, Australia.,Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research and Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yvonne Laird
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Penelope Love
- The National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH CRE), Sydney, Australia.,Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Li Ming Wen
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH CRE), Sydney, Australia.,Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research and Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris Rissel
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH CRE), Sydney, Australia
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13
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Wallace S, Houghton C, Dunne F. Participation in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of metformin in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): pregnant women's perceptions and experiences of the decision-making process. HRB Open Res 2021; 4:65. [PMID: 36568043 PMCID: PMC9751497 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13289.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Research in pregnancy and childbirth is required to advance healthcare needs for this population. Fears around potential fetal risk and the history of drug scandals renders it an area of research that is somewhat neglected. Due to the growing medical complexities facing pregnant women, efforts have been made in recent times to recognise the ethical importance of including this population in clinical research. Although clinical trials are becoming more common in pregnancy, recruitment of this population remains difficult with a common assumption that pregnant women would be reluctant to participate in clinical trials. This study set out to explore pregnant women's perspectives and experiences of the decision-making process to participate in a randomised controlled trial of metformin in gestational diabetes mellitus (the EMERGE clinical trial). Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive design with thematic analysis. Data were collected by conducting individual semi-structured interviews (n=11) with participants (n=9) and decliners (n=2) of the EMERGE clinical trial. Results: The main findings reveal that a significant perception of personal benefit from participation was the biggest influence on women's decisions to participate. Concerns about the impact of gestational diabetes on their pregnancies, the option of a favourable intervention treatment, a low perception of risk associated with the trial and the opportunity to help medical research appeared to have significantly influenced their decision. Receiving detailed information, personal interactions with the study team, a perception of voluntariness in participation and accessibility of the trial positively impacted on women's decisions to participate. Conclusions: Personal contact during recruitment, presenting clear and thorough trial information, providing previous participant testimonials, and facilitating women to participate in clinical trials are all important strategies when trying to enhance recruitment in pregnancy trials. Further research on pregnant women declining participation in clinical trials is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead Wallace
- HRB Clinical Research Facility, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland,
| | - Catherine Houghton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Áras Moyola, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Fidelma Dunne
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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14
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Smith R, Alvarez C, Crixell S, Lane MA. The Food, Feelings, and Family Study: comparison of the efficacy of traditional methods, social media, and broadcast email to recruit pregnant women to an observational, longitudinal nutrition study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:203. [PMID: 33711946 PMCID: PMC7953646 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03680-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is well known that recruitment is a challenging aspect of any study involving human subjects. This challenge is exacerbated when the population sought is reticent to participate in research as is the case with pregnant women and individuals with depression. This paper compares recruitment methods used for the Food, Feelings, and Family Study, an observational, longitudinal pilot study concerning how diet and bisphenol A exposure affect maternal mood and cognitive function during and after pregnancy. Methods Pregnant women were recruited to this study over a period of 15 months using traditional methods, social media including paid and unpaid posts, and emails broadcast to the university community. Contingency analysis using the Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to determine if recruitment method was associated with likelihood of participation. T-tests were used to analyze Facebook advertisement success. ANOVAs and Fisher exact tests were used to determine if recruitment method was related to continuous and categorical demographics, respectively. Results Social media resulted in the largest number of recruits, followed by traditional methods and broadcast email. Women recruited through social media were less likely to participate. In contrast, use of broadcast email resulted in a smaller pool of recruits but these recruits were more likely to be eligible for and complete the study. Most women recruited via social media were the result of unpaid posts to the study’s Facebook page. Paid posts lasting at least 4 days were the most successful. Recruitment method was not associated with participant demographics. Conclusions Social media has the potential to recruit a large pool of potential subjects; however, when studies require a large time investment such as the case here, women recruited through social media are less likely to participate and complete the study than women recruited through other means. Trial registration N/A. This study does not describe a health care intervention. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03680-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Smith
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Crystal Alvarez
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Sylvia Crixell
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Michelle A Lane
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
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15
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Finucane EM, Biesty L, Murphy D, Cotter A, Molloy E, O'Donnell M, Treweek S, Gillespie P, Campbell M, Morrison JJ, Alvarez-Iglesias A, Gyte G, Devane D. Feasibility study protocol of a pragmatic, randomised controlled pilot trial: membrane sweeping to prevent post-term pregnancy-the MILO Study. Trials 2021; 22:113. [PMID: 33531062 PMCID: PMC7853162 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05043-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-term pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of maternal complications, respiratory distress and trauma to the neonate. Amniotic membrane sweeping has been recommended as a simple procedure to promote the spontaneous onset of labour. However, despite its widespread use, there is an absence of evidence on (a) its effectiveness and (b) its optimal timing and frequency. The primary aim of the MILO Study is to inform the optimal design of a future definitive randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness (including optimal timing and frequency) of membrane sweeping to prevent post-term pregnancy. We will also assess the acceptability and feasibility of the proposed trial interventions to clinicians and women (through focus group interviews). METHODS/DESIGN Multicentre, pragmatic, parallel-group, pilot randomised controlled trial with an embedded factorial design. Pregnant women with a live, singleton foetus ≥ 38 weeks gestation; cephalic presentation; longitudinal lie; intact membranes; English speaking and ≥ 18 years of age will be randomised in a 2:1 ratio to membrane sweep versus no membrane sweep. Women allocated randomly to a sweep will then be randomised further (factorial component) to early (from 39 weeks) versus late (from 40 weeks) sweep commencement and a single versus weekly sweep. The proposed feasibility study consists of four work packages, i.e. (1) a multicentre, pilot randomised trial; (2) a health economic analysis; (3) a qualitative study; and (4) a study within the host trial (a SWAT). Outcomes to be collected include recruitment and retention rates, compliance with protocol, randomisation and allocation processes, attrition rates and cost-effectiveness. Focus groups will be held with women and clinicians to explore the acceptability and feasibility of the proposed intervention, study procedures and perceived barriers and enablers to recruitment. DISCUSSION The primary aim of the MILO Study is to inform the optimal design of a future definitive randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness (including optimal timing and frequency) of membrane sweeping to prevent post-term pregnancy. Results will inform whether and how the design of the definitive trial as originally envisaged should be delivered or adapted. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04307199 . Registered on 12 March 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Finucane
- University Maternity Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. .,National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Linda Biesty
- National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,QUESTS & School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Murphy
- Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.,Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amanda Cotter
- University Maternity Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eleanor Molloy
- Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.,Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin O'Donnell
- National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,HRB Clinical Research Facility Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Shaun Treweek
- Trial Forge and the Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Marian Campbell
- Health Services Research Unit (HSRU), University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - John J Morrison
- Clinical Science Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Galway University Hospital, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Gill Gyte
- Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Declan Devane
- HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network & School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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16
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Rose J, Lynn K, Akister J, Maxton F, Redsell SA. Community midwives' and health visitors' experiences of research recruitment: a qualitative exploration using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2021; 22:e5. [PMID: 33509327 PMCID: PMC8057511 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423621000050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful research is frequently hampered by poor study recruitment, especially in community settings and with participants who are women and their children. Health visitors (HVs) and community midwives (CMs) are well placed to invite young families, and pregnant and postnatal women to take part in such research, but little is known about how best to support these health professionals to do this effectively. AIM This study uses the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore the factors that influence whether HVs and CMs invite eligible patients to take part in research opportunities. METHOD HVs (n = 39) and CMs (n = 22) working in four NHS Trusts and one community partnership in England completed an anonymous, online survey with open-ended questions about their experiences of asking eligible patients to take part in the research. Qualitative data were analysed using directed content analysis and inductive coding to identify specific barriers and enablers to patient recruitment within each of the 14 theoretical domains. FINDINGS Six key TDF domains accounted for 81% of all coded responses. These were (a) environmental context and resources; (b) beliefs about capabilities; (c) social/professional role and identity; (d) social influences; (e) goals; (f) knowledge. Key barriers to approaching patients to participate in the research were time and resource constraints, perceived role conflict, conflicting priorities, and particularly for HVs, negative social influences from patients and researchers. Enablers included feeling confident to approach patients, positive influence from peers, managers and researchers, beliefs in the relevance of this behaviour to health care and practice and good knowledge about the study procedures, its rationale and the research topic. The findings suggest that to improve research recruitment involving HVs and CMs, a package of interventions is needed to address the barriers and leverage the enablers to participant approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Rose
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kieran Lynn
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jane Akister
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fiona Maxton
- Research Department, North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, Peterborough, UK
| | - Sarah A. Redsell
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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17
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Garcia-Huidobro D, Vergés A, Basualto P, Calvo Miranda C, Boetto C, Soto M, Kopplin E, Martínez M, Aracena M. Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Initial Implementation of Advanced Home Visits in Chile. Health Promot Pract 2021; 23:493-503. [PMID: 33406911 DOI: 10.1177/1524839920982674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Home visiting programs are evidence-based interventions that have a myriad outcomes for mothers and newborns. Chile offers these services as part of the Chile Crece Contigo, a nationwide program. However, implementing home visiting programs in community settings is difficult. In this study, we report clinic, provider, and participant engagement with the implementation of advanced home visits (ViDAs) in Chilean primary care clinics. ViDAs include a high number of visits, external supervision, and the use of technology. In this study, qualitative and quantitative data were collected to assess the initial implementation of the home visiting strategy. Qualitative data consisted of individual interviews and focus groups with directors of city health departments, clinic managers, and providers conducting home visits. Quantitative data included clinic, provider, and participant recruitment. City health departments were approached to authorize the participation of primary care clinics in the ViDAs program. Then, clinic directors were invited to approve the implementation of the home visiting program at their health centers. In total, 16 clinics, 42 practitioners, and 185 participants were recruited. A large amount of resources was needed to recruit clinics, providers, and participants. The intervention had low acceptability, low adoption, and a high implementation cost. Initial program implementation experienced several challenges. Identified facilitators and barriers both highlighted the need for community engagement at all levels for the successful implementation of an innovation in Chilean primary care clinics. In addition, this article provides recommendations for practitioners and researchers regarding the conduct of research in community-based settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alvaro Vergés
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | - Mauricio Soto
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Erika Kopplin
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mayra Martínez
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Weiss EM, Olszewski AE, Guttmann KF, Magnus BE, Li S, Shah AR, Juul SE, Wu YW, Ahmad KA, Bendel-Stenzel E, Isaza NA, Lampland AL, Mathur AM, Rao R, Riley D, Russell DG, Salih ZNI, Torr CB, Weitkamp JH, Anani UE, Chang T, Dudley J, Flibotte J, Havrilla EM, Kathen CM, O'Kane AC, Perez K, Stanley BJ, Wilfond BS, Shah SK. Parental Factors Associated With the Decision to Participate in a Neonatal Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2032106. [PMID: 33433595 PMCID: PMC7804922 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.32106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE It remains poorly understood how parents decide whether to enroll a child in a neonatal clinical trial. This is particularly true for parents from racial or ethnic minority populations. Understanding factors associated with enrollment decisions may improve recruitment processes for families, increase enrollment rates, and decrease disparities in research participation. OBJECTIVE To assess differences in parental factors between parents who enrolled their infant and those who declined enrollment for a neonatal randomized clinical trial. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This survey study conducted from July 2017 to October 2019 in 12 US level 3 and 4 neonatal intensive care units included parents of infants who enrolled in the High-dose Erythropoietin for Asphyxia and Encephalopathy (HEAL) trial or who were eligible but declined enrollment. Data were analyzed October 2019 through July 2020. EXPOSURE Parental choice of enrollment in neonatal clinical trial. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Percentages and odds ratios (ORs) of parent participation as categorized by demographic characteristics, self-assessment of child's medical condition, study comprehension, and trust in medical researchers. Survey questions were based on the hypothesis that parents who enrolled their infant in HEAL differ from those who declined enrollment across 4 categories: (1) infant characteristics and parental demographic characteristics, (2) perception of infant's illness, (3) study comprehension, and (4) trust in clinicians and researchers. RESULTS Of a total 387 eligible parents, 269 (69.5%) completed the survey and were included in analysis. This included 183 of 242 (75.6%) of HEAL-enrolled and 86 of 145 (59.3%) of HEAL-declined parents. Parents who enrolled their infant had lower rates of Medicaid participation (74 [41.1%] vs 47 [55.3%]; P = .04) and higher rates of annual income greater than $55 000 (94 [52.8%] vs 30 [37.5%]; P = .03) compared with those who declined. Black parents had lower enrollment rates compared with White parents (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17-0.73). Parents who reported their infant's medical condition as more serious had higher enrollment rates (OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 2.0-16.3). Parents who enrolled their infant reported higher trust in medical researchers compared with parents who declined (mean [SD] difference, 5.3 [0.3-10.3]). There was no association between study comprehension and enrollment. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, the following factors were associated with neonatal clinical trial enrollment: demographic characteristics (ie, race/ethnicity, Medicaid status, and reported income), perception of illness, and trust in medical researchers. Future work to confirm these findings and explore the reasons behind them may lead to strategies for better engaging underrepresented groups in neonatal clinical research to reduce enrollment disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott Mark Weiss
- Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Aleksandra E Olszewski
- Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Katherine F Guttmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Brooke E Magnus
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Sijia Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle
| | - Anita R Shah
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, California
| | - Sandra E Juul
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Yvonne W Wu
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco
| | - Kaashif A Ahmad
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Natalia A Isaza
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Andrea L Lampland
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Minnesota Hospital, Minneapolis
| | - Amit M Mathur
- Department of Pediatrics, St Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Rakesh Rao
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - David Riley
- Department of Pediatrics, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - David G Russell
- Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Zeynep N I Salih
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Carrie B Torr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | | | - Uchenna E Anani
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Taeun Chang
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Juanita Dudley
- Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - John Flibotte
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Erin M Havrilla
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Alexandra C O'Kane
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Krystle Perez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | | | - Benjamin S Wilfond
- Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Seema K Shah
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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A systematic review of risk communication in clinical trials: How does it influence decisions to participate and what are the best methods to improve understanding in a trial context? PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242239. [PMID: 33196663 PMCID: PMC7668608 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effective risk communication is challenging. Ensuring potential trial participants’ understand ‘risk’ information presented to them is a key aspect of the informed consent process within clinical trials, yet minimal research has looked specifically at how to communicate probabilities to support decisions about trial participation. This study reports a systematic review of the literature focusing on presentation of probabilistic information or understanding of risk by potential trial participants. Methods A search strategy for risk communication in clinical trials was designed and informed by systematic reviews of risk communication in treatment and screening contexts and supplemented with trial participation terms. Extracted data included study characteristics and the main interventions/findings of each study. Explanatory studies that investigated the methods for presenting probabilistic information within participant information leaflets for a clinical trial were included, as were interventions that focused on optimising understanding of probabilistic information within the context of a clinical trial. Results The search strategy identified a total of 4931 studies. Nineteen papers were selected for full text screening, and seven studies included. All reported results from risk communication studies that aimed to support potential trial participants’ decision making set within hypothetical trials. Five of these were randomised comparisons of risk communication interventions, and two were prospectively designed, non-randomised studies. Study interventions focused on probability presentation, risk framing and risk interpretation with a wide variety of interventions being evaluated and considerable heterogeneity in terms of outcomes assessed. Studies show conflicting findings when it comes to how best to present information, although numerical, particularly frequency formats and some visual aids appear to have promise. Conclusions The evidence base surrounding risk communication in clinical trials indicates that there is as yet no clear optimal method for improving participant understanding, or clear consensus on how it affects their willingness to participate. Further research into risk communication within trials is needed to help illuminate the mechanisms underlying risk perception and understanding and provide appropriate ways to present and communicate risk in a trial context so as to further promote informed choices about participation. A key focus for future research should be to investigate the potential for learning in the evidence on risk communication from treatment and screening decisions when applied to decisions about trial participation.
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Giannakou K. Perinatal epidemiology: Issues, challenges, and potential solutions. Obstet Med 2020; 14:77-82. [PMID: 34394715 DOI: 10.1177/1753495x20948984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal epidemiology research is concerned with identifying the effects of events during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes that include maternal, fetal, and neonatal health outcomes. Randomized trials in perinatal research face many challenges, including randomization difficulties, ethical considerations, and inadequate statistical power due to the small number of subjects eligible for participation. For these reasons, most epidemiological studies conducted in this research field are observational and include different types of bias. This review describes the key methodological difficulties in the design and analysis of randomized and observational studies in perinatal epidemiology, and provides potential corrective approaches.
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Vluggen S, Hoving C, Vonken L, Schaper NC, de Vries H. Exploring factors influencing recruitment results of nurses recruiting diabetes patients for a randomized controlled trial. Clin Trials 2020; 17:448-458. [PMID: 32367737 PMCID: PMC7814094 DOI: 10.1177/1740774520914609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective recruitment of patients by health professionals is challenging but pivotal to the success of clinical trials. Many trials fail to include the required number of participants, which affects the power of the study, generalizability of results, and timely dissemination of positive outcomes. Existing research is inconclusive regarding factors influencing recruitment results, and most research does not focus on perceptions of recruiting health professionals themselves. Therefore, thorough evaluations of recruitment facilitators and barriers in trials are needed in order to optimize future patient recruitment in trials. We observed divergent recruitment results among nurses who recruited diabetes patients to our trial, which examined the effectiveness of an eHealth programme. Therefore, we aimed to describe nurses' recruitment results and related shifts over time, and to qualitatively explore factors influencing nurses' recruitment results. METHODS Nurses' recruitment results and related temporal shifts were derived from trial data (NTR6840). Based on their recruitment results, nurses were categorized as non-, low-, medium-, or high-recruiters. Subsequently, a subset of nurses per group participated in an individual semi-structured telephone interview. Interviews were analysed using NVivo software, applying an inductive coding approach. RESULTS Ninety-six nurses participated in our trial and recruited on average seven patients (range: 0-32). Fifteen nurses did not recruit any patients. Most patients were recruited close to recruitment onset. Nurses who did not recruit patients close to recruitment onset generally ended up recruiting no patients. Data show a relatively high number of early recruited patients that progressively declined over time. High-recruiters were generally successful throughout the entire recruitment period. Recruitment facilitators and barriers comprised organizational, study, patient, and especially recruiter characteristics. Contrary to non- and low-recruiters, medium- and high-recruiters reported more in-depth knowledge about the study and trial requirements, expressed more personal participation-related benefits and fewer barriers, and incorporated more recruitment activities, reminders, and barrier-focused coping strategies. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS To optimize patient recruitment to clinical trials, suggested intervention targets include the continued inclusion of recruiters after initial recruitment onset and the encouragement of early recruitment success. A personalized approach may aid recruiters to become and remain successful. Primarily, it is important to provide recruiters with sufficient information on trial requirements and to address salient benefits for participation in the trial, both for themselves and for their patients. Finally, teaching recruiters skills on how to overcome barriers may further enhance motivation and recruitment capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stan Vluggen
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ciska Hoving
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lieve Vonken
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas C Schaper
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hein de Vries
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Hanrahan V, Gillies K, Biesty L. Recruiters' perspectives of recruiting women during pregnancy and childbirth to clinical trials: A qualitative evidence synthesis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234783. [PMID: 32559236 PMCID: PMC7304625 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research on research is key to enhancing efficacy in trial methodology. Clinical trials involving women during pregnancy and childbirth are limited, with a paucity of data guiding evidence-based practice. Following a prioritisation exercise that highlighted the top-ten unanswered recruitment questions, this qualitative evidence synthesis was designed specifically to focus on the barriers and enablers for clinicians/healthcare professionals in helping conduct randomised trials within the context of recruitment during pregnancy and childbirth. METHODS The synthesis was undertaken using Thomas and Harden's three stage thematic synthesis method and reported following the ENTREQ guidelines. Using a pre-determined SPIDER strategy, we conducted a comprehensive search of databases; Pubmed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and grey searches for records until January 2019. We included all reports of qualitative data on recruiter's experiences, perceptions, views of recruiting women during pregnancy and childbirth to clinical trials. Altogether 13,401 records were screened, resulting in 31 full-text reviews, of which five were eligible for inclusion. Quality was appraised using CASP. Data were extracted onto a specifically defined form. We used thematic synthesis to identify descriptive and analytical themes, and to interpret and generate theory. Confidence was assessed using GRADE-CERQual. The review protocol is publicly available (OSF https://osf.io/g4dt9/). RESULTS Five papers (representing four individual studies) from two different countries were included. All studies focused on the experiences of trial recruiters in the maternity setting. We identified four analytical themes; Recruitment through a clinician's lens, Recruiters judgement on acceptability, From protocol to recruiters lived experience, Framing recruitment in context. These were linked by an overarching theme combining beliefs and power. CONCLUSION The overarching theme combining beliefs and power links the experiences and perceptions of recruiters. This synthesis shows a gap between the trial design study protocol and the recruiter's lived experience. Strategies such as collaborative trial design, mitigating gatekeeping behaviours, and training may support recruiters in their endeavour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivienne Hanrahan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Katie Gillies
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Biesty
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Shiplo S, Meaney S, O'Donoghue K. Maternity care providers' involvement in research. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 251:48-52. [PMID: 32480180 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the widely acknowledged importance of research for improving patient care and outcomes, research in pregnant women is lacking. Many challenges innate to conducting research in pregnant women may discourage maternity care providers from engaging in research. Thus, the current study assessed maternity care providers' involvement in research, their perception of the relevance of research, as well as facilitators and barriers to participating in research. STUDY DESIGN A total sample of 145 maternity care providers were recruited from a large tertiary-referral university-based teaching maternity hospital. Maternity care providers included, midwives, nurses, sonographers, consultant obstetricians, and non-consultant hospital doctors. Participants completed a cross-sectional survey between May and October 2018. RESULTS The present study found that overall, 49.7% of maternity care providers who participated reported never taking part in conducting research. Medical staff were more likely to report being given the opportunity and to have ever conducted research compared to midwives (p < 0.05). Participants agreed that research is important to maintain the quality of care provided to women (Mean = 4.86/5 in agreeance). However, medical staff were more likely to report understanding research methodology and feeling competent to undertake research compared to midwives (Mean = 3.85 v 3.28, p = 0.002; Mean = 3.56 v 2.60, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The findings suggest future strategies aimed at increased opportunities and additional research training will likely support maternity care providers', specifically midwives, involvement in conducting effective research studies in pregnancy. Such actions hold the potential to contribute research evidence lacking in pregnant women necessary to provide appropriate maternity care.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Shiplo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork,T12 YE02, Ireland.
| | - S Meaney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork,T12 YE02, Ireland; Pregnancy Loss Research Group, The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), University College Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland; National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland
| | - K O'Donoghue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork,T12 YE02, Ireland; Pregnancy Loss Research Group, The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), University College Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland
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Dorling J, Hewer O, Hurd M, Bari V, Bosiak B, Bowler U, King A, Linsell L, Murray D, Omar O, Partlett C, Rounding C, Townend J, Abbott J, Berrington J, Boyle E, Embleton N, Johnson S, Leaf A, McCormick K, McGuire W, Patel M, Roberts T, Stenson B, Tahir W, Monahan M, Richards J, Rankin J, Juszczak E. Two speeds of increasing milk feeds for very preterm or very low-birthweight infants: the SIFT RCT. Health Technol Assess 2020; 24:1-94. [PMID: 32342857 DOI: 10.3310/hta24180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational data suggest that slowly advancing enteral feeds in preterm infants may reduce necrotising enterocolitis but increase late-onset sepsis. The Speed of Increasing milk Feeds Trial (SIFT) compared two rates of feed advancement. OBJECTIVE To determine if faster (30 ml/kg/day) or slower (18 ml/kg/day) daily feed increments improve survival without moderate or severe disability and other morbidities in very preterm or very low-birthweight infants. DESIGN This was a multicentre, two-arm, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. Randomisation was via a web-hosted minimisation algorithm. It was not possible to safely and completely blind caregivers and parents. SETTING The setting was 55 UK neonatal units, from May 2013 to June 2015. PARTICIPANTS The participants were infants born at < 32 weeks' gestation or a weight of < 1500 g, who were receiving < 30 ml/kg/day of milk at trial enrolment. INTERVENTIONS When clinicians were ready to start advancing feed volumes, the infant was randomised to receive daily feed increments of either 30 ml/kg/day or 18 ml/kg/day. In total, 1400 infants were allocated to fast feeds and 1404 infants were allocated to slow feeds. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was survival without moderate or severe neurodevelopmental disability at 24 months of age, corrected for gestational age. The secondary outcomes were mortality; moderate or severe neurodevelopmental disability at 24 months corrected for gestational age; death before discharge home; microbiologically confirmed or clinically suspected late-onset sepsis; necrotising enterocolitis (Bell's stage 2 or 3); time taken to reach full milk feeds (tolerating 150 ml/kg/day for 3 consecutive days); growth from birth to discharge; duration of parenteral feeding; time in intensive care; duration of hospital stay; diagnosis of cerebral palsy by a doctor or other health professional; and individual components of the definition of moderate or severe neurodevelopmental disability. RESULTS The results showed that survival without moderate or severe neurodevelopmental disability at 24 months occurred in 802 out of 1224 (65.5%) infants allocated to faster increments and 848 out of 1246 (68.1%) infants allocated to slower increments (adjusted risk ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.92 to 1.01). There was no significant difference between groups in the risk of the individual components of the primary outcome or in the important hospital outcomes: late-onset sepsis (adjusted risk ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.86 to 1.07) or necrotising enterocolitis (adjusted risk ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.68 to 1.16). Cost-consequence analysis showed that the faster feed increment rate was less costly but also less effective than the slower rate in terms of achieving the primary outcome, so was therefore found to not be cost-effective. Four unexpected serious adverse events were reported, two in each group. None was assessed as being causally related to the intervention. LIMITATIONS The study could not be blinded, so care may have been affected by knowledge of allocation. Although well powered for comparisons of all infants, subgroup comparisons were underpowered. CONCLUSIONS No clear advantage was identified for the important outcomes in very preterm or very low-birthweight infants when milk feeds were advanced in daily volume increments of 30 ml/kg/day or 18 ml/kg/day. In terms of future work, the interaction of different milk types with increments merits further examination, as may different increments in infants at the extremes of gestation or birthweight. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN76463425. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 18. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Dorling
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Oliver Hewer
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Madeleine Hurd
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vasha Bari
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Beth Bosiak
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ursula Bowler
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew King
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Louise Linsell
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Murray
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Omar Omar
- Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Catherine Rounding
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - John Townend
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Janet Berrington
- Newcastle Neonatal Service, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Elaine Boyle
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Nicholas Embleton
- Newcastle Neonatal Service, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Samantha Johnson
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Alison Leaf
- National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre Department of Child Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Kenny McCormick
- John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - William McGuire
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Tracy Roberts
- School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ben Stenson
- The Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Warda Tahir
- School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mark Monahan
- School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Judy Richards
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Judith Rankin
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Edmund Juszczak
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Stillbirth research: Recruitment barriers and participant feedback. Women Birth 2020; 33:153-160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Brennan M, Clarke M, Devane D, Dowling M. A qualitative study of the factors influencing recruitment to a pilot trial on the prevention of striae gravidarum. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:103. [PMID: 32050916 PMCID: PMC7017448 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-2781-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Striae gravidarum are a common occurrence in pregnancy and many women use a topical product to prevent their development or lessen their appearance if they do develop. There is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of many of the products used by women. This study arose from challenges in recruitment to a pilot randomised trial (ISRCTN trial registration number:76992326) designed to evaluate the feasibility of a definitive trial to compare a moisturising oil to no treatment in the prevention and reduction in severity of striae gravidarum. The study reported here explored the factors influencing recruitment to that pilot trial. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken involving primigravid women attending an Irish maternity hospital. Data were collected by semi-structured telephone interviews over a four-week period and analysed using the framework method of analysis. Fifteen interview transcripts were included in the analysis. Results Four main themes consisting of twelve categories were identified from the interview data. The themes focused on women’s prevention of stretch marks and their choice of anti-stretch mark product, who and what influenced that choice and influences on trial participation. In relation to influences on trial participation, the possibility of being randomised to the non- intervention or control group was a deterrent for many women. Conclusions The prevention of stretch marks is important to pregnant women, as is their choice of product to prevent them. Offering women the opportunity to be part of a trial that would be of low burden and would test a well-known product may optimise recruitment. However, reluctance to be randomised because of the possibility of being allocated to the non-intervention control group suggests that further work is needed in this field on how best to communicate uncertainty to potential participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Brennan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aras Moyola, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland.
| | - Mike Clarke
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Block B, Queen's University Belfast, Royal Hospital, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BA, Northern Ireland
| | - Declan Devane
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aras Moyola, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Maura Dowling
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aras Moyola, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
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Wahlbeck H, Kvist LJ, Landgren K. Art Therapy and Counseling for Fear of Childbirth: A Randomized Controlled Trial. ART THERAPY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/07421656.2020.1721399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Hollis R, Ersser SJ, Iles-Smith H, Milnes LJ, Munyombwe T, Sanders C, Swallow V. A Feasibility Study Of Administering The Electronic Research And Development Culture Index To The Multidisciplinary Workforce In A UK Teaching Hospital. J Multidiscip Healthc 2019; 12:935-945. [PMID: 31819468 PMCID: PMC6875253 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s218630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The study aims were: (i) to convert the Research and Development Culture Index (a validated rating instrument for assessing the strength of organizational Research and Development culture) into electronic format (eR&DCI), and (ii) to test the format and assess the feasibility of administering it to the multidisciplinary (allied health professionals, doctors and nurses) workforce in a National Health Service Hospital (NHS) in the United Kingdom (UK) by trialing it with the workforce of the tertiary Children’s Hospital within the organization. Population and methods The eR&DCI was emailed to all professional staff (n=907) in the Children’s Hospital. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22. Results The eR&DCI was completed by 155 respondents (doctors n=38 (24.52%), nurses n=79 (50.96%) and allied health professionals (AHPs) n=38 (24.52%)). The response rate varied by professional group: responses were received from 79 out of 700 nurses (11%); 38 out of 132 doctors (29%) and 38 out of 76 AHPs (50%). Index scores demonstrated a positive research culture within the multidisciplinary workforce. Survey responses demonstrated differences between the professions related to research training and engagement in formal research activities. Conclusion This is the first study to assess the feasibility of assessing the strength of an organization’s multidisciplinary workforce research and development (R&D) culture by surveying that workforce using the eR&DCI. We converted the index to “Online Surveys” and successfully administered it to the entire multidisciplinary workforce in the Children’s Hospital. We met our criteria for feasibility: ability to administer the survey and a response rate comparable with similar studies. Uptake could have been increased by also offering the option of the paper-based index for self-administration. Results of the survey are informing delivery of the research strategy in the Children’s Hospital. This methodology has potential application in other healthcare contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hollis
- The Children's Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Heather Iles-Smith
- Research and Innovation, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | | | - Cilla Sanders
- School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Nikčević AV, Dodd Z, Prior J, O'Gorman N, Poon LC, Nicolaides KH. Reasons for accepting or declining participation in the ASPRE trial: A qualitative study with women at high risk of preterm pre-eclampsia. Prenat Diagn 2019; 39:1127-1135. [PMID: 31479510 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify factors that affected the decision of pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia (PE) in accepting or declining participation in a medicated clinical trial (ASPRE) for the prevention of preterm PE. METHOD This was a qualitative, cross-sectional study. A purposive sample of 14 participants and 13 decliners of the ASPRE trial were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using template analysis. RESULTS For participants, their high-risk status seems to have motivated them to take part in the trial. This was enabled by their perception that the trial drug aspirin was commonly used, the safety of the procedure, and the belief that they will be in receipt of extra monitoring in pregnancy. Decliners expressed discomfort about taking medications in pregnancy, and about the presence of the placebo arm; they seemed to be motivated by desire to reduce harm. Satisfaction with the information provided by the medical professionals was also influential in women's decision making, and so were the views of their partners and other trusted individuals. CONCLUSION Pregnant women's motivation to take part or to decline participation in a medicated trail can be understood as an attempt to cope with the threat posed by their high-risk status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana V Nikčević
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston-Upon-Thames, UK
| | - Zoe Dodd
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston-Upon-Thames, UK
| | - Jess Prior
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston-Upon-Thames, UK
| | - Neil O'Gorman
- Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Liona C Poon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kypros H Nicolaides
- Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Salim R, Hakim M, Zafran N, Nachum Z, Romano S, Garmi G. Double-blind randomized trial of progesterone to prevent preterm birth in second-trimester bleeding. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2019; 98:1318-1325. [PMID: 31087325 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Second-trimester vaginal bleeding increases the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. We aimed to examine the efficacy of vaginal progesterone to reduce preterm birth rate in women with second-trimester vaginal bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving pregnant women with second-trimester vaginal bleeding. Women with documented uterine bleeding were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive 200 mg of micronized vaginal progesterone or placebo once daily at 16-26 weeks until 36 weeks of gestation. Women who had prior preterm birth or short cervix diagnosed before recruitment were not eligible. The primary outcome was spontaneous delivery <37 weeks. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01269450. RESULTS Between March 2011 and January 2017, 128 women gave consent and were randomized; 16 withdrew consent and 3 had a second-trimester termination of pregnancy. The final analysis included 109 women: 60 in the progesterone group and 49 in the placebo group. Demographic and obstetric characteristics did not differ between the groups. Primary outcome occurred in 19 (31.7%) and 12 (24.5%) in the progesterone and placebo groups, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55-3.16; P = 0.53). The proportion of births <34 weeks was similar between the groups (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.47-3.02; P = 0.72), as were the survival curves from randomization to delivery (hazard ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.60-2.56; P = 0.57). There were no significant differences in neonatal morbidities between the groups. The study was ended prematurely because of slow recruitment. CONCLUSIONS Antepartum vaginal progesterone does not seem to reduce the incidence of preterm birth in women with second-trimester bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raed Salim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.,Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Marwan Hakim
- Nazareth Hospital EMMS, Nazareth, Israel.,Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Noah Zafran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.,Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zohar Nachum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.,Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shabtai Romano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.,Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gali Garmi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.,Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
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van der Zande ISE, van der Graaf R, Oudijk MA, van Vliet-Lachotzki EH, van Delden JJM. A qualitative study on stakeholders' views on the participation of pregnant women in the APOSTEL VI study: a low-risk obstetrical RCT. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:65. [PMID: 30744577 PMCID: PMC6371564 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2209-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bioethicists argue that inclusion of pregnant women in clinical research should be more routine to increase the evidence-base for pregnant women and foetuses. Yet, it is unknown whether pregnant women and others directly involved are willing to be routinely included. Therefore, we first need to establish what these stakeholders think about research participation in regular pregnancy-related research. However, studies on their views are scarce. In our study, we piggy-backed on a relatively conventional RCT, the APOSTEL VI study, to identify the views of stakeholders on inclusion of pregnant women in this study. METHODS We conducted a prospective qualitative study using 35 in-depth semi-structured interviews and one focus group. We interviewed pregnant women (n = 14) recruited for the APOSTEL VI study, in addition to healthcare professionals (n = 14), Research Ethics Committee members (RECs) (n = 5) and regulators (n = 7) involved in clinical research in pregnant women. RESULTS Three themes characterise stakeholders' views on inclusion of pregnant women in the APOSTEL VI study. Additionally, one theme characterises stakeholders' interest in inclusion of pregnant women in clinical research in general. First, pregnant women participate in the APOSTEL VI study for potential individual benefit and secondarily for altruistic motives, contrary to hypothetical studies. Second, a gatekeeping tendency hampers recruitment of pregnant women who might be eligible and willing, and questions about pregnant women's decisional capacities surface. Third, healthcare professionals sometimes use the counselling conversation to steer pregnant women in a direction. Fourth, all stakeholders are hesitant about inclusion of pregnant women in clinical research in general due to a protective sentiment. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant women are willing to participate in the APOSTEL VI study for potential individual benefit and altruistic motives. However, an underlying protective sentiment, resulting in gatekeeping and directive counselling, sometimes hampers recruitment in the APOSTEL VI study as well as in clinical research in general. While bioethicists claim that inclusion of pregnant women should be customary, our study indicates that healthcare professionals, regulators, RECs and pregnant women themselves are not necessarily interested in inclusion. Advancing the situation and increasing the evidence-base for pregnant women and foetuses may require additional measures such as investing in the recruitment and feasibility of RCTs and stimulating pregnant women's decisional capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira S. E. van der Zande
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rieke van der Graaf
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn A. Oudijk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Johannes J. M. van Delden
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands
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van der Zande ISE, van der Graaf R, Hooft L, van Delden JJM. Facilitators and barriers to pregnant women's participation in research: A systematic review. Women Birth 2018; 31:350-361. [PMID: 29373261 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there is consensus among many that exclusion of pregnant women from clinical research should be justified, there is uncertainty as to whether and why pregnant women themselves would be willing to participate even if they were found to be eligible. The objective was to identify the reasons why pregnant women participate in clinical research and thereby to distinguish between facilitators and barriers. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of articles regarding pregnant women's reasons for participation in clinical research. We used the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases and retrieved additional articles through manually searching the reference lists. We included all articles that reported on pregnant women's reasons for participation in clinical research. We accumulated all reasons that were mentioned in the total of articles and collated them to themes, classifying these themes as a facilitator or a barrier. RESULTS The search identified thirty articles that met the inclusion criteria. Themes classified as facilitators: aspirational benefits, collateral benefits, direct benefits, third party influence and lack of inconvenience. Themes classified as barriers: inconveniences, risks, randomisation, lack of trust in research enterprise, medical reasons and third party influence. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant women report mostly altruistic and personal reasons for their willingness to participate in clinical research, while barriers primarily relate to inconveniences. It appears that pregnant women's described reasoning is similar to the described reasoning of non-pregnant research subjects. Enhancing the facilitators and overcoming the barriers is the next step to increase the evidence-base underlying maternal and foetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira S E van der Zande
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Medical Humanities, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Rieke van der Graaf
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Medical Humanities, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Lotty Hooft
- Cochrane Netherlands, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; University Medical Center Utrecht, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Epidemiology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Johannes J M van Delden
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Medical Humanities, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Ekambareshwar M, Mihrshahi S, Wen LM, Taki S, Bennett G, Baur LA, Rissel C. Facilitators and challenges in recruiting pregnant women to an infant obesity prevention programme delivered via telephone calls or text messages. Trials 2018; 19:494. [PMID: 30219067 PMCID: PMC6139132 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2871-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recruitment of pregnant women into trials is a challenge exacerbated by a number of factors, including strict eligibility criteria. There has been little in-depth examination of the recruitment process to trials involving pregnant women. This paper presents the findings of a study conducted to identify facilitators and challenges in recruiting pregnant women to the Communicating Healthy Beginnings Advice by Telephone (CHAT) randomised controlled trial, which aims to reduce the prevalence of infant and childhood obesity. Methods Data were collected from (1) administration of a short questionnaire to women at the time of recruitment exploring women’s reasons for consent and non-consent; (2) interviews with recruiters to capture recruiters’ experiences of the recruitment process; and (3) analysis of field notes taken by recruiters on the number of women approached/recruited and reasons as to why they did not consent to participate. Data obtained were triangulated to gain insights into the process of recruiting pregnant women. Results A total of 1155 pregnant women (mean gestational age 31.5 weeks) were enrolled over 5 months. The main reasons for women consenting to participate in the study were convenience in programme delivery mode via telephone calls or text messages, altruism and because the programme was free of charge. The main reasons for women not consenting were lack of interest, language challenges/difficulty speaking English and some felt they did not need information and support due to prior experience as a mother. Facilitators included organisational support, rapport with recruiters and some women with no other children who needed advice. Despite the challenges, the mode of delivery of intervention via telephone calls or text messages, the minimal effort required of women to participate, organisational support from the lead site and recruiters’ knowledge of and commitment towards the trial contributed towards successful recruitment. Conclusion Despite some challenges in recruiting pregnant women to an infant obesity prevention programme, some of the facilitators in recruitment included mode of delivery of the intervention programme via telephone calls or text messages, the minimal effort required for women to participate, organisational support from the lead site, and recruiters’ knowledge of and commitment towards the trial. Trial registration The CHAT RCT is registered with the Australian Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12616001470482p); Ethics Review Committee of Sydney Local Health District (Protocol No. X16–0360 & LNR/16/RPAH/495).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahalakshmi Ekambareshwar
- Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. .,NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. .,Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Seema Mihrshahi
- Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Li Ming Wen
- Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Health Promotion Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Taki
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Health Promotion Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Greer Bennett
- Health Promotion Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise A Baur
- Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Child & Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris Rissel
- Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,New South Wales Office of Preventive Health, Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
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Cook JA, Campbell MK, Gillies K, Skea Z. Surgeons' and methodologists' perceptions of utilising an expertise-based randomised controlled trial design: a qualitative study. Trials 2018; 19:478. [PMID: 30189868 PMCID: PMC6127897 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2832-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are widely recognised to be the most rigorous way to test new and emerging clinical interventions. When the interventions under study are two different surgical procedures, however, surgeons are required to be trained and sufficiently proficient in the different surgical approaches to take part in such a trial. It is often the case that even where surgeons can perform both trial surgical procedures, they have a preference and/or have more expertise in one of the procedures. The expertise-based trial design, where participating surgeons only provide the procedure in which they have appropriate expertise, has been proposed to overcome this problem. When expertise-based designs should be best used remains unclear; such approaches may be more suited to addressing specific questions. The aim of this qualitative study was to improve understanding about the range of views that surgeons and methodologists have regarding the use of the expertise-based RCT design. METHODS Twelve individual interviews with surgeons and methodologists with experience of surgical trials were conducted. Interviews were semi-structured and conducted face-to-face or by telephone. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed systematically using an interpretive approach. RESULTS Both surgeons and methodologists saw potential advantages in the expertise-based design particularly in terms of surgeons' participation and in trials where the procedures being evaluated were significantly different. The main disadvantages identified were methodological (e.g. the potential for surgeons carrying out one of the trial procedure being systematically different) and operational (e.g. the need to 'transfer' patients between surgeons with potential consequences for the surgeon/patient relationship). CONCLUSION This study suggests that the expertise-based trial design has significant potential to increase surgeon participation in trials in some settings. In other settings the standard design was generally seen as the preferable design. Particularly suitable conditions for an expertise-based design include those where the surgical procedures under evaluation are substantially different, where they are routinely delivered by different health professionals/surgeons with clear proficiencies in each; and contexts in which a multiple-surgeon model is in use and trust between the patient and surgeons can be suitably protected. The standard design was seen by most participants as the default design. Several logistical and methodological concerns remain to be addressed before the expertise-based design is likely to be more widely adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A Cook
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Windmill Rd, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK. .,Surgical Intervention Trials Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Botnar Research Centre, Windmill Rd, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
| | - Marion K Campbell
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Katie Gillies
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Zoë Skea
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
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35
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Strömmer S, Lawrence W, Rose T, Vogel C, Watson D, Bottell JN, Parmenter J, Harvey NC, Cooper C, Inskip H, Baird J, Barker M. Improving recruitment to clinical trials during pregnancy: A mixed methods investigation. Soc Sci Med 2018; 200:73-82. [PMID: 29421474 PMCID: PMC6033317 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify reasons underlying women's refusal to participate in a pregnancy trial and to identify ways of increasing recruitment. DESIGN Mixed methods study using a questionnaire and qualitative interviews. SAMPLE A questionnaire asking them to indicate reasons for their decision was completed by 296 pregnant women who declined to participate in one of two trials of nutritional supplementation in a large teaching hospital in southern England. Qualitative interview data were collected from two samples of pregnant women: 1) 30 women who declined to participate in a trial but completed the questionnaire; and 2) 44 women who participated in a trial. RESULTS Questionnaire data from pregnant women who declined to participate suggested the major barriers to participation were study requirements, including taking study medication, having a bone scan or blood tests, or being too busy. Thematic analysis of interview data identified differences in self-efficacy and levels of trust in medical research between participants and decliners. Participants believed that the research would cause no harm, while decliners felt they or their unborn child would be at risk. When faced with potential obstacles, participants found ways around them while decliners felt they were insurmountable. CONCLUSIONS Recruitment methods for pregnancy trials should focus on building women's trust in the trial, and on enhancing women's self-efficacy so they feel able to meet trial requirements. Suggestions for building trust include investing time in open, honest discussion of the risks and benefits of participation, improving visibility of the research team, testimonials from previous participants and advertising study safety and ethical conduct. Self-efficacy can be enhanced by training research staff in empowering styles of communication enabling women to feel heard and supported to problem-solve. These strategies could be implemented relatively easily into pregnancy trial protocols, and their effectiveness tested through their impact on recruitment rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Strömmer
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
| | - Wendy Lawrence
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Taylor Rose
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Christina Vogel
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Daniella Watson
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Joanne N Bottell
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Janice Parmenter
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Nicholas C Harvey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Cyrus Cooper
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Oxford Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Hazel Inskip
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Janis Baird
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Mary Barker
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Daykin A, Clement C, Gamble C, Kearney A, Blazeby J, Clarke M, Lane JA, Shaw A. 'Recruitment, recruitment, recruitment' - the need for more focus on retention: a qualitative study of five trials. Trials 2018; 19:76. [PMID: 29378618 PMCID: PMC5789584 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2467-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Loss to follow-up (attrition) is a frequent problem in clinical trials and can introduce bias or reduce power. So, understanding retention issues and strategies to address these are important. As part of a multi-method project, this qualitative study aimed to explore retention strategies used by trial teams and factors which may influence strategy adoption. Method A purposive sample of active trials was selected from the UK NIHR HTA portfolio of ongoing trials in 2014/2015. Semi-structured interviews with several trial team members from each trial and supplementary interviews with experienced trial managers explored strategies in collecting clinical outcome data and retaining participants. Interview data were analysed thematically using techniques of constant comparison. Results Twenty-two semi-structured interviews with trial team members including chief investigators, trial managers, nurses and research administrators revealed strategies used to enhance retention. Some were recognised methods and planned from trial outset whilst others were implemented more responsively. Interviewees placed great value on fostering positive relationships with trial participants to enhance retention. However, these strategies took time which was not always appreciated by the wider trial team or funding bodies. The national focus on recruitment targets in networks posed a challenge to staff and was deemed detrimental to retention. The ‘moral compass’ of individual researchers relied on their own beliefs and values and research experience and the factors affected their confidence to pursue participant data during follow-up. Conclusion The role of trial staff and their underlying behaviours influence retention practices and, combined with emphasis on recruitment targets, can be detrimental to motivation and retention activities. There is a need to consider how to train and support trial staff involved in retention practices and recognition of retention from funding bodies and oversight organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Daykin
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Clare Clement
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. .,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. .,Collaboration and innovation in Difficult and Complex randomised controlled Trials In Invasive procedures (ConDuCT II Hub), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Carrol Gamble
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Anna Kearney
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jane Blazeby
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Collaboration and innovation in Difficult and Complex randomised controlled Trials In Invasive procedures (ConDuCT II Hub), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Mike Clarke
- Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - J Athene Lane
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Collaboration and innovation in Difficult and Complex randomised controlled Trials In Invasive procedures (ConDuCT II Hub), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alison Shaw
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Harrington L, Van Damme P, Vandermeulen C, Mali S. Recruitment barriers for prophylactic vaccine trials: A study in Belgium. Vaccine 2017; 35:6598-6603. [PMID: 29074202 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recruitment of volunteers is one of the main challenges in clinical trial management, and there is little information about recruitment barriers for preventative vaccine trials. We investigated both the recruitment barriers and recruitment strategies for preventive vaccine trials in Belgium. A 10 min survey was used as well as interviews of staff at all clinical trial sites in Belgium that regularly perform vaccine trials. We observed that there are successful recruitment strategies and few recruitment issues for trials involving healthy adults and those over 65 years old. However, challenges face the recruitment of paediatric populations, pregnant women, patients and the very elderly (over 85 years old). From these results, we identified three priority areas to increase recruitment for prophylactic vaccine trials in Belgium. These are: the lack of public knowledge about infectious diseases; the lack of resources of healthcare professionals to take part in clinical trials; and the burden to potential volunteers to take part in a trial. These were discussed with stakeholders and solutions were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Corinne Vandermeulen
- Leuven University Vaccinology Center, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Mali
- Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP), Belgium.
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Sawyer A, Chhoa C, Ayers S, Pushpa-Rajah A, Duley L. Women's views and experiences of two alternative consent pathways for participation in a preterm intrapartum trial: a qualitative study. Trials 2017; 18:422. [PMID: 28886747 PMCID: PMC5591564 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2149-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Cord Pilot Trial compared alternative policies for timing of cord clamping at very preterm birth at eight UK hospitals. In addition to standard written consent, an oral assent pathway was developed for use when birth was imminent. The aim of this study was to explore women’s views and experiences of two alternative consent pathways to participate in the Cord Pilot Trial. Methods We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. A total of 179 participants in the Cord Pilot Trial were sent a postal invitation to take part in interviews. Women who agreed were interviewed in person or by telephone to explore their experiences of two consent pathways for a preterm intrapartum trial. Data were analysed using inductive systematic thematic analysis. Results Twenty-three women who gave either written consent (n = 18) or oral assent followed by written consent (n = 5) to participate in the trial were interviewed. Five themes were identified: (1) understanding of the implications of randomisation, (2) importance of staff offering participation, (3) information about the trial and time to consider participation, (4) trial secondary in women’s minds and (5) reasons for agreeing to take part in the trial. Experiences were similar for the two consent pathways. Women recruited by the oral assent pathway reported being given less information about the trial but felt it was sufficient to make a decision regarding participation. There were gaps in women’s understanding of the trial and intervention, regardless of the consent pathway. Conclusions Overall, women were positive about their experiences of being invited to participate in the trial. The oral assent pathway seems an acceptable option for women if the intervention is low-risk and time is limited. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN21456601. Registered on 28 February 2013. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2149-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sawyer
- Centre for Health Research, School of Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Falmer, BN1 9PH, UK.
| | - Celine Chhoa
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health Sciences, City University London, London, EC1R 1UW, UK
| | - Susan Ayers
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health Sciences, City University London, London, EC1R 1UW, UK
| | | | - Lelia Duley
- Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
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Harvey M, Nongena P, Edwards D, Redshaw M. 'We knew it was a totally at random thing': parents' experiences of being part of a neonatal trial. Trials 2017; 18:361. [PMID: 28764800 PMCID: PMC5539623 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2112-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies exploring parents' trial experiences generally relate to their understanding of the consent process and the development of researcher strategies to facilitate recruitment and retention. The aim was to better understand parents' experience of being part of a trial at the time and their perceptions of trial participation in retrospect. METHODS Data were collected in a number of ways: from recorded discussions between parents and clinicians about the MRI or ultrasound, in open-text responses to questionnaires and in qualitative interviews at 1 and 2 years after participation. Thematic analysis was undertaken using NVivo10. RESULTS Key themes identified were 'deciding to take part', with subthemes associated with 'benefitting self', 'benefitting others' and 'being prepared'; 'the randomisation process' with subthemes relating to 'acceptance' and 'understanding' and 'actual engagement' with subthemes of 'practicalities' and 'care from responsive staff'. CONCLUSION Parents' perspectives on the trial and the processes and information received reflect their understanding and experience of the trial and the value of parent-friendly information-giving about participation, randomisation and follow-up. The practical and logistical points raised confirm the key issues and parents' need for sensitive care and support in the course of a trial. Looking back, almost all parents were positive about their experience and felt that the family had benefitted from participation in the trial and follow-up studies, even when the developmental outcomes were poor. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT01049594. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01049594 . Registered on 13 January 2010. EudraCT: EudraCT: 2009-011602-42. https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Merryl Harvey
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Division of Imaging and Biomedical Engineering, King's College, London, UK.,National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.,Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Phumza Nongena
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Division of Imaging and Biomedical Engineering, King's College, London, UK.,Department of Paediatrics, Walter Sisulu University, Cecelia Makiwane Hospital, Mdantsane, East London, South Africa
| | - David Edwards
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Division of Imaging and Biomedical Engineering, King's College, London, UK
| | - Maggie Redshaw
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.
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Tigges BB, Kaar JL, Erbstein N, Silberman P, Winseck K, Lopez-Class M, Burbacher TM. Effectiveness of community outreach and engagement in recruitment success for a prebirth cohort. J Clin Transl Sci 2017; 1:184-191. [PMID: 29082032 PMCID: PMC5647659 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2017.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We describe the effectiveness of community outreach and engagement in supporting recruitment for the US National Children's Vanguard Study between 2009 and 2012. METHODS Thirty-seven study locations used 1 of 4 strategies to recruit 18-49-year-old pregnant or trying to conceive women: (1) Initial Vanguard Study used household-based recruitment; (2) Direct Outreach emphasized self-referral; (3) Enhanced Household-Based Recruitment enhanced Initial Vanguard Study strategies; and (4) Provider-Based Recruitment recruited through healthcare providers. Outreach and engagement included advance letters, interactions with healthcare providers, participation in community events, contacts with community organizations, and media outreach. RESULTS After 1-2 years, 41%-74% of 9844 study-eligible women had heard about the National Children's Vanguard Study when first approached. Women who heard were 1.5-3 times more likely to consent. Hearing via word-of-mouth or the media most frequently predicted consent. The more sources women heard from the higher the odds of consent. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that tailored outreach and engagement facilitate recruitment in cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth B. Tigges
- University of New Mexico College of Nursing, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jill L. Kaar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nancy Erbstein
- Department of Human Ecology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Kate Winseck
- Office of Disease Prevention, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maria Lopez-Class
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas M. Burbacher
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
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van der Zande ISE, van der Graaf R, Oudijk MA, van Delden JJM. A qualitative study on acceptable levels of risk for pregnant women in clinical research. BMC Med Ethics 2017; 18:35. [PMID: 28506267 PMCID: PMC5432995 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-017-0194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is ambiguity with regard to what counts as an acceptable level of risk in clinical research in pregnant women and there is no input from stakeholders relative to such research risks. The aim of our paper was to explore what stakeholders who are actively involved in the conduct of clinical research in pregnant women deem an acceptable level of risk for pregnant women in clinical research. Accordingly, we used the APOSTEL VI study, a low-risk obstetrical randomised controlled trial, as a case-study. METHODS We conducted a prospective qualitative study using 35 in-depth semi-structured interviews and one focus group. We interviewed healthcare professionals, Research Ethics Committee members (RECs) and regulators who are actively involved in the conduct of clinical research in pregnant women, in addition to pregnant women recruited for the APOSTEL VI case-study in the Netherlands. RESULTS Three themes characterise the way stakeholders view risks in clinical research in pregnant women in general. Additionally, one theme characterises the way healthcare professionals and pregnant women view risks with respect to the case-study specifically. First, ideas on what constitutes an acceptable level of risk in general ranged from a preference for zero risk for the foetus up to minimal risk. Second, the desirability of clinical research in pregnant women in general was questioned altogether. Third, stakeholders proposed to establish an upper limit of risk in potentially beneficial clinical research in pregnant women in order to protect the foetus and the pregnant woman from harm. Fourth and finally, the case-study illustrates that healthcare professionals' individual perception of risk may influence recruitment. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare professionals, RECs, regulators and pregnant women are all risk adverse in practice, possibly explaining the continuing underrepresentation of pregnant women in clinical research. Determining the acceptable levels of risk on a universal level alone is insufficient, because the individual perception of risk also influences behaviour towards pregnant women in clinical research. Therefore, bioethicists and researchers might be interested in changing the perception of risk, which could be achieved by education and awareness about the actual benefits and harms of inclusion and exclusion of pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira S. E. van der Zande
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Medical Humanities, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, P.O. box 85500, 3508 GA The Netherlands
| | - Rieke van der Graaf
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Medical Humanities, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, P.O. box 85500, 3508 GA The Netherlands
| | - Martijn A. Oudijk
- Academic Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes J. M. van Delden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Medical Humanities, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, P.O. box 85500, 3508 GA The Netherlands
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Nicklas JM, Skurnik G, Zera CA, Reforma LG, Levkoff SE, Seely EW. Employing a Multi-level Approach to Recruit a Representative Sample of Women with Recent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus into a Randomized Lifestyle Intervention Trial. Matern Child Health J 2016; 20:261-9. [PMID: 26520160 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-015-1825-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The postpartum period is a window of opportunity for diabetes prevention in women with recent gestational diabetes (GDM), but recruitment for clinical trials during this period of life is a major challenge. METHODS We adapted a social-ecologic model to develop a multi-level recruitment strategy at the macro (high or institutional level), meso (mid or provider level), and micro (individual) levels. Our goal was to recruit 100 women with recent GDM into the Balance after Baby randomized controlled trial over a 17-month period. Participants were asked to attend three in-person study visits at 6 weeks, 6, and 12 months postpartum. They were randomized into a control arm or a web-based intervention arm at the end of the baseline visit at six weeks postpartum. At the end of the recruitment period, we compared population characteristics of our enrolled subjects to the entire population of women with GDM delivering at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH). RESULTS We successfully recruited 107 of 156 (69 %) women assessed for eligibility, with the majority (92) recruited during pregnancy at a mean 30 (SD ± 5) weeks of gestation, and 15 recruited postpartum, at a mean 2 (SD ± 3) weeks postpartum. 78 subjects attended the initial baseline visit, and 75 subjects were randomized into the trial at a mean 7 (SD ± 2) weeks postpartum. The recruited subjects were similar in age and race/ethnicity to the total population of 538 GDM deliveries at BWH over the 17-month recruitment period. CONCLUSIONS Our multilevel approach allowed us to successfully meet our recruitment goal and recruit a representative sample of women with recent GDM. We believe that our most successful strategies included using a dedicated in-person recruiter, integrating recruitment into clinical flow, allowing for flexibility in recruitment, minimizing barriers to participation, and using an opt-out strategy with providers. Although the majority of women were recruited while pregnant, women recruited in the early postpartum period were more likely to present for the first study visit. Given the increased challenges of recruiting postpartum women with GDM into research studies, we believe our findings will be useful to other investigators seeking to study this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinda M Nicklas
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Mailstop C263, 12348 E. Montview Blvd., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. .,Division of Diabetes, Hypertension and Endocrinology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Geraldine Skurnik
- Division of Diabetes, Hypertension and Endocrinology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chloe A Zera
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liberty G Reforma
- Division of Diabetes, Hypertension and Endocrinology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sue E Levkoff
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Ellen W Seely
- Division of Diabetes, Hypertension and Endocrinology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Factors Affecting Recruitment and Attrition in Randomised Controlled Trials of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Pregnancy-Related Issues. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:6495410. [PMID: 27956921 PMCID: PMC5124464 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6495410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for pregnancy-related issues have encountered issues with recruitment and attrition. Little is known about the cause of these issues. Methods. Data was gathered from an antenatal CAM randomised controlled trial. During foetal anomaly appointments, women meeting inclusion criteria were invited to participate in the trial. Numbers of women invited and eligible were recorded. Reasons for noninterest were noted and analysed. Focus groups exploring trial experience of participants were also conducted. Findings. Of the 428 women invited to participate, 376 were eligible and just under a quarter participated. Reasons for nonparticipation included concerns about CAM and lack of interest in participation in research. Other factors negatively affecting recruitment included recruitment timing, competition for participants, limited support from staff, and inadequate trial promotion. Factors encouraging recruitment included being interested in research and seeking pain relief. Reasons for dropping out were time constraints, travel issues, work commitments, and pregnancy issues. Several women in the sham and usual care group dropped out due to dissatisfaction with treatment allocation. Conclusion. CAM researchers must explore problems encountered with recruitment and attrition so that evidence-based implementation strategies to address the issues can be developed.
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Alberico S, Erenbourg A, Hod M, Yogev Y, Hadar E, Neri F, Ronfani L, Maso G. Immediate delivery or expectant management in gestational diabetes at term: the GINEXMAL randomised controlled trial. BJOG 2016; 124:669-677. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Alberico
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS Burlo Garofolo; Trieste Italy
| | - A Erenbourg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS Burlo Garofolo; Trieste Italy
| | - M Hod
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; The Helen Schneider Hospital for Women at Rabin Medical Center; Petah-Tiqva Israel
| | - Y Yogev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; The Helen Schneider Hospital for Women at Rabin Medical Center; Petah-Tiqva Israel
| | - E Hadar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; The Helen Schneider Hospital for Women at Rabin Medical Center; Petah-Tiqva Israel
| | - F Neri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Hospital Angelo Zelarino di Mestre; Mestre-Venezia Italy
| | - L Ronfani
- Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit; Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS Burlo Garofolo; Trieste Italy
| | - G Maso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; The Helen Schneider Hospital for Women at Rabin Medical Center; Petah-Tiqva Israel
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Gilmore LA, Redman LM. Evidence-based research for weight management of the obese woman around the time of conception is not as simple as you think! Fertil Steril 2016; 106:1049-1050. [PMID: 27473355 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Anne Gilmore
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Leanne M Redman
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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Robinson L, Adair P, Coffey M, Harris R, Burnside G. Identifying the participant characteristics that predict recruitment and retention of participants to randomised controlled trials involving children: a systematic review. Trials 2016; 17:294. [PMID: 27334018 PMCID: PMC4918126 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-016-1415-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are recommended as the ‘gold standard’ in evaluating health care interventions. The conduct of RCTs is often impacted by difficulties surrounding recruitment and retention of participants in both adult and child populations. Factors influencing recruitment and retention of children to RCTs can be more complex than in adults. There is little synthesised evidence of what influences participation in research involving parents and children. Aim To identify predictors of recruitment and retention in RCTs involving children. Methods A systematic review of RCTs was conducted to synthesise the available evidence. An electronic search strategy was applied to four databases and restricted to English language publications. Quantitative studies reporting participant predictors of recruitment and retention in RCTs involving children aged 0–12 were identified. Data was extracted and synthesised narratively. Quality assessment of articles was conducted using a structured tool developed from two existing quality evaluation checklists. Results Twenty-eight studies were included in the review. Of the 154 participant factors reported, 66 were found to be significant predictors of recruitment and retention in at least one study. These were classified as parent, child, family and neighbourhood characteristics. Parent characteristics (e.g. ethnicity, age, education, socioeconomic status (SES)) were the most commonly reported predictors of participation for both recruitment and retention. Being young, less educated, of an ethnic minority and having low SES appear to be barriers to participation in RCTs although there was little agreement between studies. When analysed according to setting and severity of the child’s illness there appeared to be little variation between groups. The quality of the studies varied. Articles adhered well to reporting guidelines around provision of a scientific rationale for the study and background information as well as displaying good internal consistency of results. However, few studies discussed the external validity of the results or provided recommendations for future research. Conclusion Parent characteristics may predict participation of children and their families to RCTs; however, there was a lack of consensus. Whilst sociodemographic variables may be useful in identifying which groups are least likely to participate they do not provide insight into the processes and barriers to participation for children and families. Further studies that explore variables that can be influenced are warranted. Reporting of studies in this field need greater clarity as well as agreed definitions of what is meant by retention. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1415-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Robinson
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Block F Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK. .,R&D Department, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Summerfield House, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD, UK.
| | - Pauline Adair
- Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine Research Group, School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, 40 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1QE, UK
| | - Margaret Coffey
- School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Allerton Building, Frederick Road Campus, Salford, M6 6PU, UK
| | - Rebecca Harris
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Psychology Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Waterhouse Building, Liverpool, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK
| | - Girvan Burnside
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Block F Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK
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47
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Wilman E, Megone C, Oliver S, Duley L, Gyte G, Wright JM. The ethical issues regarding consent to clinical trials with pre-term or sick neonates: a systematic review (framework synthesis) of the empirical research. Trials 2015; 16:502. [PMID: 26537492 PMCID: PMC4634156 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-015-0957-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conducting clinical trials with pre-term or sick infants is important if care for this population is to be underpinned by sound evidence. Yet approaching parents at this difficult time raises challenges for the obtaining of valid informed consent to such research. This study asked: what light does the empirical literature cast on an ethically defensible approach to the obtaining of informed consent in perinatal clinical trials? METHODS A systematic search identified 49 studies. Analysis began by applying philosophical frameworks which were then refined in light of the concepts emerging from empirical studies to present a coherent picture of a broad literature. RESULTS Between them, studies addressed the attitudes of both parents and clinicians concerning consent in neonatal trials; the validity of the consent process in the neonatal research context; and different possible methods of obtaining consent. CONCLUSIONS Despite a variety of opinions among parents and clinicians there is a strongly and widely held view that it is important that parents do give or decline consent for neonatal participation in trials. However, none of the range of existing consent processes reviewed by the research is satisfactory. A significant gap is evaluation of the widespread practice of emergency 'assent', in which parents assent or refuse their baby's participation as best they can during the emergency and later give full consent to ongoing participation and follow-up. Emergency assent has not been evaluated for its acceptability, how such a process would deal with bad outcomes such as neonatal death between assent and consent, or the extent to which late parental refusal might bias results. This review of a large number of empirical papers, while not making fundamental changes, has refined and developed the conceptual framework from philosophy for examining informed consent in this context.
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MESH Headings
- Attitude of Health Personnel
- Clinical Trials as Topic/ethics
- Emergencies
- Emotions
- Gestational Age
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Infant, Newborn, Diseases/diagnosis
- Infant, Newborn, Diseases/mortality
- Infant, Newborn, Diseases/therapy
- Infant, Premature
- Motivation
- Parental Consent/ethics
- Parents/psychology
- Research Design
- Risk Assessment
- Volition
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Affiliation(s)
- E Wilman
- Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - C Megone
- Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - S Oliver
- Social Science Research Unit and EPPI-Centre, Institute of Education, University of London, London, UK.
| | - L Duley
- Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, Nottingham Health Science Partners, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - G Gyte
- National Childbirth Trust, London, UK.
| | - J M Wright
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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Carpenter RE, Emery SJ, Rassi D, Uzun O, Lewis MJ. Recruitment of pregnant women to an exercise-intervention study. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2015; 36:200-7. [PMID: 26467417 DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2015.1049988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We share here our experience of recruiting pregnant women into an exercise intervention study. Recruitment challenges were anticipated owing to the study design, which required four hospital visits for cardiovascular assessment, a long-term (nine-month) commitment, and adherence to a 20-week exercise programme. Fifty-three women were assigned to one of three groups (no-exercise, land exercise or water exercise) using a 2 × 2 × 2 flexible randomisation design. Seven hundred forty-four women were screened at an antenatal clinic, of whom 501 were eligible to participate in the study. One hundred forty-five women were subsequently approached: 46 (32%) of whom agreed to participate, 42 (29%) were interested but then declined and 57 (39%) declined outright. Our study design helped recruit pregnant women as it allowed them some choice of group membership. We also noted that the participant-researcher relationship is important in reducing attrition. Our experience provides indications of likely recruitment and attrition rates for future randomised controlled trials of this type.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Carpenter
- a College of Engineering, Swansea University , UK.,b Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board , Swansea , UK
| | - S J Emery
- b Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board , Swansea , UK
| | - D Rassi
- c College of Health and Human Sciences, Swansea University , UK
| | - O Uzun
- a College of Engineering, Swansea University , UK.,d University Hospital of Wales , Cardiff , UK
| | - M J Lewis
- a College of Engineering, Swansea University , UK.,b Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board , Swansea , UK
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49
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Oude Rengerink K, Logtenberg S, Hooft L, Bossuyt PM, Mol BW. Pregnant womens' concerns when invited to a randomized trial: a qualitative case control study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2015; 15:207. [PMID: 26341516 PMCID: PMC4560072 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-015-0641-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnant women were excluded from clinical trials until the 1990s, but the Food and Drug Administration nowadays allows - and even encourages - responsible inclusion of pregnant women in trials with adequate safety monitoring. Still, randomized trials in pregnant women face specific enrolment challenges. Previous studies have focused on barriers to trial participation in studies that had failed to recruit sufficient participants. Our aim was to identify barriers and motivators for participation in a range of clinical trials being conducted in the Netherlands, regardless of recruitment performance. Methods We performed a qualitative case control study in women who had been asked in 2010 to participate in one of eight clinical trials during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. Both participants and non-participants of these clinical trials were invited for a face-to-face interview that addressed motives for participation and non-participation. We started the interview in an open fashion, asking the women for their main motive for participation or non-participation. When no new information emerged in this open part, we continued with a semi-structured interview, guided by a topic list. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using a constant-comparative approach. Two researchers identified barriers and facilitators for participation, conjoined into main themes. Results Of 28 women invited for the interview, 21 agreed to be interviewed (12 participants and 9 non-participants). For 5 of the 12 participants, contribution to scientific research was their main motive, while 5 had participated because the intervention seemed favorable and was not available outside the trial. Key motives for non-participation (n = 9) were a negative association or a dislike of the intervention, either because it might do harm (n = 6) or for practical reasons (n = 3). Combining the open and topic list guided interviews we constructed seven main themes that influence the pregnant women’s decision to participate: external influence, research and healthcare, perception own situation, study design, intervention, information and counselling, and uncertainty. Conclusions Among seven main themes that influence pregnant women’s decision to participate, uncertainty about scientific research or the intervention was reported to be of considerable importance. Measures should be taken to habituate pregnant women more to scientific research, and further evaluation of opt-out consent deserves attention. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12884-015-0641-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Oude Rengerink
- Academic Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sabine Logtenberg
- Onze Lieve Vrouwen Gasthuis, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oosterpark 9, 1091 AC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Lotty Hooft
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Patrick M Bossuyt
- Academic Medical Center, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ben Willem Mol
- The Robinson Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
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Harter G, Darden J, McMenemy N, McElvy T, Hendrich A. Consent and enrollment process: achieving high enrollment rates for obstetric research. Appl Nurs Res 2015; 29:101-6. [PMID: 26856497 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim was to study the development, design, and implementation of a patient consent and enrollment initiative to identify strategies that enhanced participation. BACKGROUND Consent and enrollment of patients, especially pregnant women, remains a challenge in healthcare research. Although many barriers have been identified, strategies to consistently improve consent and enrollment are less defined. METHODS A case study was conducted on a consent and enrollment approach aimed at optimizing participation of mothers who delivered their infants from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013. Data were gathered through practitioner interviews, focus groups, and documentation review for each year of the study. RESULTS A total of 19,236 mothers enrolled, representing an 85% enrollment rate at the five study sites. Enrollment rates improved over time with increased nursing engagement in patient recruitment, site specific adaptations and patient education strategies. CONCLUSIONS Nursing's active role in implementation and rapid feedback loop of a multifaceted consent and enrollment program showed promise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nancy McMenemy
- St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48236, USA
| | - Tiffany McElvy
- Sacred Heart Hospital of Pensacola, Pensacola, FL 32504, USA
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