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Idnay B, Liu J, Fang Y, Hernandez A, Kaw S, Etwaru A, Juarez Padilla J, Ramírez SO, Marder K, Weng C, Schnall R. Sociotechnical feasibility of natural language processing-driven tools in clinical trial eligibility prescreening for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2024; 31:1062-1073. [PMID: 38447587 PMCID: PMC11031244 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocae032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) affect over 55 million globally. Current clinical trials suffer from low recruitment rates, a challenge potentially addressable via natural language processing (NLP) technologies for researchers to effectively identify eligible clinical trial participants. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the sociotechnical feasibility of NLP-driven tools for ADRD research prescreening and analyzes the tools' cognitive complexity's effect on usability to identify cognitive support strategies. METHODS A randomized experiment was conducted with 60 clinical research staff using three prescreening tools (Criteria2Query, Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside [i2b2], and Leaf). Cognitive task analysis was employed to analyze the usability of each tool using the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale. Data analysis involved calculating descriptive statistics, interrater agreement via intraclass correlation coefficient, cognitive complexity, and Generalized Estimating Equations models. RESULTS Leaf scored highest for usability followed by Criteria2Query and i2b2. Cognitive complexity was found to be affected by age, computer literacy, and number of criteria, but was not significantly associated with usability. DISCUSSION Adopting NLP for ADRD prescreening demands careful task delegation, comprehensive training, precise translation of eligibility criteria, and increased research accessibility. The study highlights the relevance of these factors in enhancing NLP-driven tools' usability and efficacy in clinical research prescreening. CONCLUSION User-modifiable NLP-driven prescreening tools were favorably received, with system type, evaluation sequence, and user's computer literacy influencing usability more than cognitive complexity. The study emphasizes NLP's potential in improving recruitment for clinical trials, endorsing a mixed-methods approach for future system evaluation and enhancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betina Idnay
- School of Nursing, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Jianfang Liu
- School of Nursing, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Yilu Fang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Alex Hernandez
- School of Nursing, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Shivani Kaw
- School of Nursing, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Alicia Etwaru
- School of Nursing, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Janeth Juarez Padilla
- School of Nursing, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Sergio Ozoria Ramírez
- School of Nursing, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States
- New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York, NY 10003, United States
| | - Karen Marder
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Chunhua Weng
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Rebecca Schnall
- School of Nursing, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
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Jacobs SR, Ramsey N, Bagnato M, Pitt T, Davis CM. Health disparities in allergic diseases. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 24:94-101. [PMID: 38295102 PMCID: PMC10923006 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Healthcare disparities impact prevalence, diagnosis, and management of allergic disease. The purpose of this review is to highlight the most recent evidence of healthcare disparities in allergic conditions to provide healthcare providers with better understanding of the factors contributing to disparities and to provide potential management approaches to address them. This review comes at a time in medicine where it is well documented that disparities exist, but we seek to answer the Why , How and What to do next? RECENT FINDINGS The literature highlights the socioeconomic factors at play including race/ ethnicity, neighborhood, insurance status and income. Management strategies have been implemented with the hopes of mitigating the disparate health outcomes including utilization of school-based health, distribution of educational tools and more inclusive research recruitment. SUMMARY The studies included describe the associations between upstream structural and social factors with downstream outcomes and provide ideas that can be recreated at other institutions of how to address them. Focus on research and strategies to mitigate healthcare disparities and improve diverse research participant pools are necessary to improve patient outcomes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R. Jacobs
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicole Ramsey
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mariangela Bagnato
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracy Pitt
- Department of Pediatrics, Humber Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carla M. Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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3
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Lee L, Hillier LM, Patel T, Lu SK, Lee M, Lee C. An innovative approach to recruiting participants for dementia research: primary care and researcher perspectives. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2023; 13:323-334. [PMID: 38284385 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2022-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To describe clinician and researcher perceptions of a new, patient preference focused approach to recruiting patients for research from primary care-based memory clinics. Methods: Memory clinic clinicians completed a survey and key informants completed an individual interview to gather their perceptions of this new program. Results: The majority of clinicians were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with this recruitment approach and indicated that this approach would have minimal negative impact on patient care or create conflict of interest. Key informants valued the program for its patient-centred approach, the integration of research into care and potential for increased recruitment. Discussion: These findings are suggestive of support for this recruitment approach. Pilot testing will inform feasibility, effectiveness and process improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Lee
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, 10 B Victoria Street South, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, 250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 0E2, Canada
| | - Loretta M Hillier
- GERAS Centre for Aging Research, 88 Maplewood Ave, Hamilton, Ontario, L8M 1W9, Canada
| | - Tejal Patel
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, 10 B Victoria Street South, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria Street South, Waterloo, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Stephanie K Lu
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, 10 B Victoria Street South, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Michael Lee
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, 10 B Victoria Street South, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Catherine Lee
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, 10 B Victoria Street South, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
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Lee L, Hillier LM, Patel T, Gregg S, Hickman K, Lu SK, Lee M, Borrie MJ. A "Patient Preference" Model of Recruitment for Research from Primary-Care-Based Memory Clinics: A Promising New Approach. Can J Aging 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37694538 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980823000533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Recruiting persons with dementia for clinical trials can be challenging. Building on a guide initially developed to assist primary-care-based memory clinics in their efforts to support research, a key stakeholder working group meeting was held to develop a standardized research recruitment process, with input from patients, care partners, researchers, and clinicians. Discussions in this half-day facilitated meeting focused on the wishes and needs of patients and care partners, policy and procedures for researchers, information provided to patients, and considerations for memory clinics. Patients and care partners valued the opportunity to contribute to science and provided important insights on how to best facilitate recruitment. Discussions regarding proposed processes and procedures for research recruitment highlighted the need for a new, patient-driven approach. Accordingly, a key stakeholder co-designed "Memory Clinic Research Match" program was developed that has the potential to overcome existing barriers and to increase recruitment for dementia-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Lee
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, McMaster University, Department of Family Medicine, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | | | - Tejal Patel
- University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Susie Gregg
- Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie K Lu
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, McMaster University, Department of Family Medicine, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Lee
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, McMaster University, Department of Family Medicine, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Michael J Borrie
- Department of Medicine, Western University, St. Joseph's Health Care, Parkwood Institute, London, ON, Canada
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Idnay B, Fang Y, Butler A, Moran J, Li Z, Lee J, Ta C, Liu C, Yuan C, Chen H, Stanley E, Hripcsak G, Larson E, Marder K, Chung W, Ruotolo B, Weng C. Uncovering key clinical trial features influencing recruitment. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e199. [PMID: 37830010 PMCID: PMC10565197 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Randomized clinical trials (RCT) are the foundation for medical advances, but participant recruitment remains a persistent barrier to their success. This retrospective data analysis aims to (1) identify clinical trial features associated with successful participant recruitment measured by accrual percentage and (2) compare the characteristics of the RCTs by assessing the most and least successful recruitment, which are indicated by varying thresholds of accrual percentage such as ≥ 90% vs ≤ 10%, ≥ 80% vs ≤ 20%, and ≥ 70% vs ≤ 30%. Methods Data from the internal research registry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Aggregated Analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov were collected for 393 randomized interventional treatment studies closed to further enrollment. We compared two regularized linear regression and six tree-based machine learning models for accrual percentage (i.e., reported accrual to date divided by the target accrual) prediction. The outperforming model and Tree SHapley Additive exPlanations were used for feature importance analysis for participant recruitment. The identified features were compared between the two subgroups. Results CatBoost regressor outperformed the others. Key features positively associated with recruitment success, as measured by accrual percentage, include government funding and compensation. Meanwhile, cancer research and non-conventional recruitment methods (e.g., websites) are negatively associated with recruitment success. Statistically significant subgroup differences (corrected p-value < .05) were found in 15 of the top 30 most important features. Conclusion This multi-source retrospective study highlighted key features influencing RCT participant recruitment, offering actionable steps for improvement, including flexible recruitment infrastructure and appropriate participant compensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betina Idnay
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yilu Fang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alex Butler
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joyce Moran
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ziran Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Junghwan Lee
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Casey Ta
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chi Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huanyao Chen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edward Stanley
- Compliance Applications, Information Technology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - George Hripcsak
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elaine Larson
- School of Nursing, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York Academy of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karen Marder
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wendy Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brenda Ruotolo
- Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects Research, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chunhua Weng
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Applequist J, Burroughs C, Merkel PA, Rothenberg M, Trapnell B, Desnick R, Sahin M, Krischer J. Direct-to-Consumer Recruitment Methods via Traditional and Social Media to Aid in Research Accrual for Clinical Trials for Rare Diseases: Comparative Analysis Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e39262. [PMID: 36917158 PMCID: PMC10131902 DOI: 10.2196/39262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruitment into clinical trials is a challenging process, with as many as 40% of studies failing to meet their target sample sizes. The principles of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising rely upon novel marketing strategies. The ability to reach expansive audiences in the web-based realm presents a unique opportunity for researchers to overcome various barriers to enrollment in clinical trials. Research has investigated the use of individual web-based platforms to aid in recruitment and accrual into trials; however, a gap in the literature exists, whereby multiple mass communication platforms have yet to be investigated across a range of clinical trials. OBJECTIVE There is a need to better understand how individual factors combine to collectively influence trial recruitment. We aimed to test whether DTC recruitment of potentially eligible study participants via social media platforms (eg, Facebook [Meta Platforms Inc] and Twitter [Twitter Inc]) was an effective strategy or whether this acted as an enhancement to traditional (eg, email via contact registries) recruitment strategies through established clinical research sites. METHODS This study tested multiple DTC web-based recruitment efforts (Facebook, Twitter, email, and patient advocacy group [PAG] involvement) across 6 national and international research studies from 5 rare disease consortia. Targeted social media messaging, social media management software, and individual study websites with prescreening questions were used in the Protocol for Increasing Accrual Using Social Media (PRISM). RESULTS In total, 1465 PRISM website referrals occurred across all 6 studies. Organic (unpaid) Facebook posts (676/1465, 46.14%) and Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network patient contact registry emails (461/1465, 31.47%) represented the most successful forms of engagement. PRISM was successful in accumulating a 40.1% (136/339) lead generation (those who screened positive and consented to share their contact information to be contacted by a clinical site coordinator). Despite the large number of leads generated from PRISM recruitment efforts, the number of patients who were subsequently enrolled in studies was low. Across 6 studies, 3 participants were ultimately enrolled, meaning that 97.8% (133/136) of leads dropped off. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that although accrual results were low, this is consistent with previously documented challenges of studying populations with rare diseases. Targeted messaging integrated throughout the recruitment process (eg, referral, lead, and accrual) remains an area for further research. Key elements to consider include structuring the communicative workflow in such a way that PAG involvement is central to the process, with clinical site coordinators actively involved after an individual consents to share their contact information. Customized approaches are needed for each population and research study, with observational studies best suited for social media recruitment. As evidenced by lead generation, results suggest that web-based recruitment efforts, coupled with targeted messaging and PAG partnerships, have the potential to supplement clinical trial accrual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle Applequist
- Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Cristina Burroughs
- Health Informatics Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Peter A Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marc Rothenberg
- Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Bruce Trapnell
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Robert Desnick
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jeffrey Krischer
- Health Informatics Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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Shihabuddin BS, Fritter J, Ellison AM, Cruz AT. Diversity among research coordinators in a pediatric emergency medicine research collaborative network. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e46. [PMID: 36845308 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2022.448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a survey study of clinical research coordinators (CRCs) at the member institutions of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network, to determine the demographic and linguistic characteristics of CRCs around the network, and any perceived impact of those characteristics on their duties. A total of 53/74 CRCs completed the survey. Most respondents identified as "female," "white," and "not Hispanic/Latino." Most respondents felt that their race/ethnicity and their ability to speak a language other than English would positively impact recruitment. Four female respondents felt that their gender hindered their recruitment efforts and their sense of belonging within the research team.
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Cooksey KE, Mozersky J, DuBois J, Kuroki L, Marx CM, Politi MC. Challenges and Possible Solutions to Adapting to Virtual Recruitment: Lessons Learned from a Survey Study during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Ethics Hum Res 2022; 44:23-31. [PMID: 36316973 PMCID: PMC9631333 DOI: 10.1002/eahr.500148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic required rapid changes to research protocols, including immediate transitions to recruiting research participants and conducting the informed consent process virtually. This case study details the challenges our research team faced adapting an in-person, behavioral-intervention and survey study to virtual recruitment. We reflect on the impact of these rapid changes on recruitment and retention, discuss protocol changes we made to address these challenges and the needs of potential and enrolled participants, and propose recommendations for future work. Using computer technology to display professional return phone numbers, being flexible by contacting potential participants through various means, minimizing email communication due to added regulatory requirements, and partnering with the institutional review board to shorten and improve the consent document and process were critical to study success. This case study can offer insight to other researchers as they navigate similar processes. Virtual recruitment is likely to continue; it is important to ensure that it facilitates, rather than hinders, equitable and just recruitment practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista E Cooksey
- Research coordinator in the Division of Public Health Sciences in the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Jessica Mozersky
- Assistant professor in the Bioethics Research Center in the Department of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine
| | - James DuBois
- Steven J. Bander Professor of Medical Ethics and Professionalism in the Department of Medicine and the executive director of the Bioethics Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Lindsay Kuroki
- Associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Christine M Marx
- Research coordinator in the Division of Public Health Sciences in the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Mary C Politi
- Professor in the Division of Public Health Sciences in the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine
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Lee L, Locklin J, Patel T, Lu SK, Hillier LM. Recruitment of participants for dementia research: interprofessional perspectives from primary care-based memory clinics. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2022; 12:117-127. [PMID: 35377732 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2021-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To understand clinician attitudes and the barriers that impede research recruitment from specialized primary care-based memory clinics. Materials & methods: Clinicians completed a survey on attitudes and barriers to research recruitment from memory clinics. Results: Comfort and willingness to recruit for research were low to moderate and were lower for drug trials than for observational and non-drug trials. Respondents believed that it is important to have a standardized recruitment process. Identified barriers provide some insights into the factors that contribute to discomfort and lack of willingness to recruit research participants. Discussion: Findings can inform future efforts to develop a recruitment process that addresses identified barriers, while also providing an opportunity to increase participant recruitment in dementia research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Lee
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, 10B Victoria Street South, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada.,Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, 250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 0E2, Canada
| | - Jason Locklin
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, 10B Victoria Street South, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Tejal Patel
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, 10B Victoria Street South, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada.,School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria Street South, Waterloo, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Stephanie K Lu
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, 10B Victoria Street South, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Loretta M Hillier
- GERAS Centre for Aging Research, 88 Maplewood Ave, Hamilton, Ontario, L8M 1W9, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic forced researchers to modify recruitment strategies to meet accrual goals for qualitative studies. Traditional methods of in-person recruiting and using paper marketing material were eliminated almost overnight at the onset of the pandemic. Researchers quickly adapted their recruitment strategies, but researchers had to shift local, in-person recruitment efforts to solely using online platforms. The shifting recruitment strategies were accompanied with unexpected challenges, but we were able to meet our accrual goal for focus groups. OBJECTIVES The objective of this brief report is to explore new recruitment strategies that developed during the COVID-19 pandemic and offer suggestions for future online-based qualitative studies. RESULTS Prior to COVID-19, we designed four main strategies (research registry, marketing material, social media, and provider endorsement) to recruit potential participants for focus groups as part of a qualitative, descriptive study involving young women breast cancer survivors. After the onset of COVID-19, we successfully adapted each of our initial four strategies to recruit potential participants in an incremental process. Using these adapted strategies, a total of 62 young women completed the first part of the data collection process prior to participating in a focus group. Thirty-three women participated in the focus groups, and the remaining 29 participants were lost to follow-up. The vast majority of participants were recruited through marketing material and social media after making strategic changes to recruitment. DISCUSSION The most effective method of recruitment was the strategic use of marketing material and social media, and we offer suggestions for researchers considering online recruitment methods. We recommend that researchers use various social media platforms and specific hashtags and target their sample population at the onset of the study. The data collection changes initiated by the effects of COVID-19 may remain, and researchers can consider implementing permanent recruitment strategies to best meet the needs of this new landscape of conducing online focus groups.
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Philbin MM, Guta A, Wurtz H, Bradley-Perrin I, Kinnard EN, Goldsamt L. How Black and Latino young men who have sex with men in the United States experience and engage with eligibility criteria and recruitment practices: implications for the sustainability of community-based research. Crit Public Health 2022; 32:677-688. [PMID: 36439240 PMCID: PMC9697991 DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2021.1918329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Research recruitment, eligibility, and who chooses to participate shape the resulting data and knowledge, which together inform interventions, treatment, and programming. Patterns of research participation are particularly salient at this moment given emerging biomedical prevention paradigms. This paper explores the perspectives of Black and Latino young men who have sex with men (BL-YMSM) regarding research recruitment and eligibility criteria, how their experiences influence willingness to enroll in a given study, and implications for the veracity and representativeness of resulting data. We examine inclusion and recruitment as a complex assemblage, which should not be reduced to its parts. From April-July 2018, we conducted in-depth interviews with 30 BL-YMSM, ages 18-29, in New York City. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Black and Latino YMSM's responses unveiled tensions between researchers', recruiters', and participants' expectations, particularly regarding eligibility criteria (e.g., age, sex frequency), assumptions about 'risky behaviors,' and the 'target' community. Men preferred peer-to-peer recruitment, noting that most approaches miss key population segments. Findings highlight the need to critically examine the selected 'target' community, who sees themselves as participants, and implications for data comprehensiveness and veracity. Study eligibility criteria and recruitment approaches are methodological issues that shape knowledge production and the policies and programs deployed into communities. These findings can inform how future research studies frame recruitment and eligibility in order to better meet the needs of participants and ensure future engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan M. Philbin
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY
| | - Adrian Guta
- School of Social Work, University of Windsor, 167 Ferry Street, Windsor, ON N9A0C5
| | - Heather Wurtz
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY
| | - Ian Bradley-Perrin
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY
| | - Elizabeth N. Kinnard
- Division of Epidemiology, University of California at Berkeley School of Public Health, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Lloyd Goldsamt
- College of Nursing, New York University, 433 First Avenue, 7th floor New York, NY
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Kotting P, Smith A, O'Hare MB, Giebel C, Mendis L, Shaw C, Shillito I, Rossor MN. A national open-access research registry to improve recruitment to clinical studies. Alzheimers Dement (N Y) 2021; 7:e12221. [PMID: 34938852 PMCID: PMC8659591 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Barriers to recruitment for dementia studies are well documented. As part of the UK government's Dementia 2020 strategy, a nationally consistent system to increase public engagement and participation in research was launched in February 2015. METHODS We describe the development of the "Join Dementia Research" registry, including evolution of policy, involvement of people with dementia in co-production, data requirements, governance, technology, and the impact on study recruitment and what factors may have contributed to the services success. RESULTS The UK-wide online, telephone, and postal service has registered 47,071 volunteers, with 33,139 people (67.9% of all volunteers) taking part in 378 studies, with 49,954 total study enrolments. This has taken place across 295 research sites, involved 1522 researchers, and resulted in 134 peer-reviewed publications. DISCUSSION Public registries of individuals interested in research, with user-provided data enabling basic phenotyping, are effective at increasing public engagement with research and removing barriers to study recruitment. Deeper pheno/genotyping could be undertaken to improve matching, but how and when that information is collected will be a key factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piers Kotting
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDementia Research CentreUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
- College of Medicine and HealthUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Adam Smith
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDementia Research CentreUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - Megan B. O'Hare
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDementia Research CentreUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - Clarissa Giebel
- NIHR Applied Research CollaborationNorth West CoastUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
- Department of Primary Care & Mental HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Lakshini Mendis
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDementia Research CentreUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - Clare Shaw
- NIHR Clinical Research Network Coordinating CentreUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Imogen Shillito
- NIHR Clinical Research Network Coordinating CentreUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Martin N. Rossor
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDementia Research CentreUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
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13
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Flood-Grady E, Solberg LB, Baralt C, Meyer M, Stevens J, Krieger JL. Engaging Institutional Stakeholders to Develop and Implement Guidelines for Recruiting Participants in Research Studies Using Social Media: Mixed Methods, Multi-Phase Process. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e23312. [PMID: 34623319 PMCID: PMC8538033 DOI: 10.2196/23312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Limited regulatory guidance surrounding the use of social media channels for participant recruitment is an interdisciplinary challenge. Establishing stakeholder-informed procedures is essential for ethical and effective use of social media for participant recruitment. Objective This study aims to provide replicable procedures for developing and implementing guidelines for using social media to recruit participants in research studies. Methods Social media use cases at the university were used to identify institutional stakeholders for the initiative. After establishing workflow procedures, a scoping review of web-based materials about recruitment and research on the internet and social media from 19 peer institutions and 2 federal agencies was conducted to inform the structure of the policies and procedures. End users (investigators and study coordinators; N=14) also provided feedback on the policies and procedures and implementation. Results Representatives (n=7) from 5 institutional offices and 15 subject-matter experts from 5 areas were identified as stakeholders in the development of policies and procedures. Peers with web-based materials (n=16) identified in the scoping review revealed 4 themes that served as a basis for developing our policies and procedures. End user feedback further informed the policies and procedures and implementation. A centrally managed social media account for communicating with participants and hosting advertising campaigns on social media was also established and, when combined with the policies and procedures, resulted in 39 advertising campaigns, and 2846 participants were enrolled in health and clinical research studies. Conclusions Our policies and procedures allow research teams to harness the potential of social media to increase study recruitment and participation; the transparent, stakeholder-informed process can be replicated by institutional administrators to establish policies and procedures that meet the interests and needs of their research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Flood-Grady
- STEM Translational Communication Center, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Clinical Translational Science Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Lauren B Solberg
- Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Claire Baralt
- University of Florida Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Meghan Meyer
- Clinical Translational Science Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jeff Stevens
- University of Florida Health Web Services, Communications & Information Technology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Janice L Krieger
- STEM Translational Communication Center, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Clinical Translational Science Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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14
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Ross KM, Hong YR, Krukowski RA, Miller DR, Lemas DJ, Cardel MI. Acceptability of Research and Health Care Visits During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Survey Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e27185. [PMID: 34033577 PMCID: PMC8174557 DOI: 10.2196/27185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had a widespread impact on attendance in biomedical research and health care visits. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify when and how American adults might feel comfortable about resuming in-person research and health care visits. METHODS Cross-sectional questionnaire data were collected from 135 adults (age: median 48 years; women: n=113, 83.7%; White participants: n=92, 68.2%) who were engaged in health-related research. RESULTS More than half of the respondents (65/122, 53.3%) felt that the COVID-19 pandemic positively affected their desire to participate in research. Although 73.6% (95/129) of respondents also indicated a willingness to attend in-person health care visits while Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines are implemented, 85.8% (109/127) indicated a willingness to attend in-person, outdoor visits, and 92.2% (118/128) reported a willingness to attend drive-through visits (with CDC guidelines implemented during both visit types). Videoconferencing was the most preferred format for intervention visits; however, adults over the age of 65 years preferred this format less than younger adults (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS Researchers and clinicians should continue to provide opportunities for continuing the conduction of remote-based interventions while enforcing CDC guidelines during in-person visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Ross
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Young-Rock Hong
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Rebecca A Krukowski
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Darci R Miller
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Dominick J Lemas
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Michelle I Cardel
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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15
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Miller HN, Gleason KT, Juraschek SP, Plante TB, Lewis-Land C, Woods B, Appel LJ, Ford DE, Dennison Himmelfarb CR. Electronic medical record-based cohort selection and direct-to-patient, targeted recruitment: early efficacy and lessons learned. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021; 26:1209-1217. [PMID: 31553434 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocz168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study sought to characterize institution-wide participation in secure messaging (SM) at a large academic health network, describe our experience with electronic medical record (EMR)-based cohort selection, and discuss the potential roles of SM for research recruitment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study teams defined eligibility criteria to create a computable phenotype, structured EMR data, to identify and recruit participants. Patients with SM accounts matching this phenotype received recruitment messages. We compared demographic characteristics across SM users and the overall health system. We also tabulated SM activation and use, characteristics of individual studies, and efficacy of the recruitment methods. RESULTS Of the 1 308 820 patients in the health network, 40% had active SM accounts. SM users had a greater proportion of white and non-Hispanic patients than nonactive SM users id. Among the studies included (n = 13), 77% recruited participants with a specific disease or condition. All studies used demographic criteria for their phenotype, while 46% (n = 6) used demographic, disease, and healthcare utilization criteria. The average SM response rate was 2.9%, with higher rates among condition-specific (3.4%) vs general health (1.4%) studies. Those studies with a more inclusive comprehensive phenotype had a higher response rate. DISCUSSION Target population and EMR queries (computable phenotypes) affect recruitment efficacy and should be considered when designing an EMR-based recruitment strategy. CONCLUSIONS SM guided by EMR-based cohort selection is a promising approach to identify and enroll research participants. Efforts to increase the number of active SM users and response rate should be implemented to enhance the effectiveness of this recruitment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey N Miller
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kelly T Gleason
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen P Juraschek
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Timothy B Plante
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Cassie Lewis-Land
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bonnie Woods
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lawrence J Appel
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel E Ford
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cheryl R Dennison Himmelfarb
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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16
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Benson C, Friz A, Mullen S, Block L, Gilmore-Bykovskyi A. Ethical and Methodological Considerations for Evaluating Participant Views on Alzheimer's and Dementia Research. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2020; 16:88-104. [PMID: 33238781 DOI: 10.1177/1556264620974898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The urgent need to expand enrollment in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) research has synergized calls for an empiric science of research recruitment, yet, progress in this area is hindered by challenges to measuring views toward ADRD research. This paper reports ethical and methodological considerations identified through a prospective qualitative study investigating ADRD patient and caregiver views on research recruitment and participation surrounding acute illness. Ethical and methodological considerations were identified through a combination of memoing, collaboration with a Community Advisory Board (CAB), and analysis of interview data from ADRD patients (N = 3) and/or caregivers (N = 28). These included risk for undue influence attributable to role ambiguity/motivational misconceptions, divergent decision-making preferences, bias contributing to low referrals of ADRD participants, and difficulty answering abstract/hypothetical questions. Many considerations were successfully addressed with multifaceted, proactive strategies, and CAB input. Findings have implications for recruitment science research and the validity of inferences regarding research preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clark Benson
- 5228University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Amanda Friz
- 5228University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Shannon Mullen
- 5228University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Laura Block
- 5228University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi
- 5228University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, Madison, WI, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.,William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Madison, WI, USA
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17
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Obeid JS, Shoaibi A, Oates JC, Habrat ML, Hughes-Halbert C, Lenert LA. Research participation preferences as expressed through a patient portal: implications of demographic characteristics. JAMIA Open 2018; 1:202-209. [PMID: 30474076 PMCID: PMC6241507 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooy034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective As patient portals are increasingly used for research recruitment, it is important to examine the demographic makeup of research registries that are populated via portals and the factors that influence participation in these registries. Methods We examined the response to a routine research preference questionnaire among patients who were enrolled in a patient portal at an academic health center and characterized the sub-population that responded and was tracked in a research preferences registry. We examined the factors that influence choices in two research preferences: future contact for research opportunities and biobanking of de-identified specimens. Results Out of 79 834 patients to whom the questionnaire was sent, 32% responded. Of those 74% agreed to future contact and 77% to the biobank preference. We found significantly lower odds of agreement in both preferences in minority populations, especially in the population >65 years of age when stratified by race. Individuals with higher comorbidity indexes had significantly higher odds for agreement. Discussion The disparities in volunteerism as expressed by agreement to future contact and willingness to participate in biobanking are exacerbated by lower levels of enrollment in the patient portal by minorities, especially in the oldest age group. Future work should examine other socioeconomic factors and the differences across age groups, sicker individuals, and payer categories. Conclusion Although patient portals can be more efficient for recruitment, researchers have to be cognizant of, and proactively address, potential biases when recruiting participants from these registries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihad S Obeid
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Azza Shoaibi
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jim C Oates
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.,Medical Service, Rheumatology Section, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Melissa L Habrat
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Chanita Hughes-Halbert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Leslie A Lenert
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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18
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Hildebrand JA, Billimek J, Olshansky EF, Sorkin DH, Lee JA, Evangelista LS. Facilitators and barriers to research participation: perspectives of Latinos with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2018; 17:737-741. [PMID: 29886773 DOI: 10.1177/1474515118780895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Latinos constitute 17% of the US population and are one of the largest ethnic groups; however, only 7.6% participate in research studies. There is a disproportionately high number of Latinos living with type 2 diabetes mellitus and are at increased risk for cardiovascular events. Research to elicit facilitators and barriers for participation in research and effective recruitment strategies is limited. AIMS This article reports the qualitative findings of a mixed-methods study examining perceived facilitators and barriers for research participation, and explores decision-making processes and ascertains ethnic values that influenced their decisions among Spanish-speaking Latinos with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants (mean age 50.8 ± 9.4 years, 76% women and 28% employed). Participants were asked to elaborate on perceived facilitators and barriers to research participation. All interviews were conducted in Spanish. Transcribed interviews were analyzed through conventional content analysis. RESULTS Three themes emerged from transcribed interviews: (a) lowering barriers to access health-related expertise; (b) language concordance; and (c) trusting relationships. Perceived barriers to research participation included work schedule, childcare, transportation and ethnic beliefs. CONCLUSION Strategies to support learning, language concordance and establishing trusting relationships among Spanish-speaking Latinos may be key to increasing Latinos in research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janett A Hildebrand
- 1 Sue and Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California Irvine, USA
| | - John Billimek
- 2 Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community (PRIME-LC), Health Policy Research Institute, Departments of Medicine and Family Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Ellen F Olshansky
- 3 UCI Sue and Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California Irvine, USA
| | - Dara H Sorkin
- 4 Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, USA
| | - Jung-Ah Lee
- 1 Sue and Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California Irvine, USA
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19
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Gelinas L, Lynch HF, Largent EA, Shachar C, Cohen IG, Bierer BE. Truth in Advertising: Disclosure of Participant Payment in Research Recruitment Materials. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2018; 52:268-274. [PMID: 29714586 DOI: 10.1177/2168479018770644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The practice of paying research participants has received significant attention in the bioethics literature, but the focus has been almost exclusively on consideration of factors relevant to determining acceptable payment amounts. Surprisingly little attention has been paid to what happens once the payment amount is set. What are the ethical parameters around how offers of payment may be advertised to prospective participants? This article seeks to answer this question, focusing on the ethical and practical issues associated with disclosing information about payment, and payment amounts in particular, in recruitment materials. We argue that it is permissible-and indeed typically ethically desirable-for recruitment materials to disclose the amount that participants will be paid. Further, we seek to clarify the regulatory guidance on "emphasizing" payment in a way that can facilitate design and review of recruitment materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Gelinas
- 1 Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Emily A Largent
- 2 Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,3 Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carmel Shachar
- 1 Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - I Glenn Cohen
- 1 Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Barbara E Bierer
- 4 Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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20
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Dotolo D, Nielsen EL, Curtis JR, Engelberg RA. Strategies for Enhancing Family Participation in Research in the ICU: Findings From a Qualitative Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2017; 54:226-230.e1. [PMID: 28438584 PMCID: PMC5557665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Family members of critically ill patients who participate in research focused on palliative care issues have been found to be systematically different from those who do not. These differences threaten the validity of research and raise ethical questions about worsening disparities in care by failing to represent diverse perspectives. OBJECTIVES This study's aims were to explore: 1) barriers and facilitators influencing family members' decisions to participate in palliative care research; and 2) potential methods to enhance research participation. METHODS Family members who were asked to participate in a randomized trial testing the efficacy of a facilitator to improve clinician-family communication in the intensive care unit (ICU). Family members who participated (n = 17) and those who declined participation (n = 7) in Family Communication Study were interviewed about their recruitment experiences. We also included family members of currently critically ill patients to assess current experiences (n = 4). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Investigators used thematic analysis to identify factors influencing family members' decisions. Transcripts were co-reviewed to synthesize codes and themes. RESULTS Three factors influencing participants' decisions were identified: Altruism, Research Experience, and Enhanced Resources. Altruism and Research Experience described intrinsic characteristics that are less amenable to strategies for improving participation rates. Enhanced Resources reflects families' desires for increased access to information and logistical and emotional support. CONCLUSION Family members found their recruitment experiences to be positive when staff were knowledgeable about the ICU, sensitive to the stressful circumstances, and conveyed a caring attitude. By training research staff to be supportive of families' emotional needs and need for logistical knowledge about the ICU, recruitment of a potentially more diverse sample of families may be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae Dotolo
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | - Elizabeth L Nielsen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - J Randall Curtis
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ruth A Engelberg
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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21
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Ng KP, Jain P, Gill PS, Heer G, Townend JN, Freemantle N, Greenfield S, McManus RJ, Ferro CJ. Results and lessons from the Spironolactone To Prevent Cardiovascular Events in Early Stage Chronic Kidney Disease (STOP-CKD) randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e010519. [PMID: 26916697 PMCID: PMC4769397 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether low-dose spironolactone can safely lower arterial stiffness in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3 in the primary care setting. DESIGN A multicentre, prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study. SETTING 11 primary care centres in South Birmingham, England. PARTICIPANTS Adult patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease. Main exclusion criteria were diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, severe hypertension, systolic blood pressure < 120 mm Hg or baseline serum potassium ≥ 5 mmol/L. INTERVENTION Eligible participants were randomised to receive either spironolactone 25 mg once daily, or matching placebo for an intended period of 40 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary end point was the change in arterial stiffness as measured by pulse wave velocity. Secondary outcome measures included the rate of hyperkalaemia, deterioration of renal function, barriers to participation and expected recruitment rates to a potential future hard end point study. RESULTS From the 11 practices serving a population of 112,462, there were 1598 (1.4%) patients identified as being eligible and were invited to participate. Of these, 134 (8.4%) attended the screening visit of which only 16 (1.0%) were eligible for randomisation. The main reasons for exclusion were low systolic blood pressure (<120 mm Hg: 40 patients) and high estimated glomerular filtration rate (≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2): 38 patients). The trial was considered unfeasible and was terminated early. CONCLUSIONS We highlight some of the challenges in undertaking research in primary care including patient participation in trials. This study not only challenged our preconceptions, but also provided important learning for future research in this large and important group of patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN80658312.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khai P Ng
- Department of Renal Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Poorva Jain
- Department of Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paramjit S Gill
- Department of Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gurdip Heer
- Department of Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jonathan N Townend
- Department of Cardiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nick Freemantle
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, UCL Medical School, London, UK
| | - Sheila Greenfield
- Department of Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard J McManus
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Charles J Ferro
- Department of Renal Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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22
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Logsdon MC, Martin VH, Stikes R, Davis D, Ryan L, Yang I, Edward J, Rushton J. Lessons Learned From Adolescent Mothers: Advice on Recruitment. J Nurs Scholarsh 2015; 47:294-9. [PMID: 25968179 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescent mothers have high rates of depressive symptoms and inadequate rates of depression evaluation and treatment. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify characteristics of effective recruitment ads for an Internet-based depression intervention for pregnant and parenting adolescents. METHODS Using focus group methods, participants (N = 35) were recruited and enrolled at a teen parent program, part of the public school system. Focus group sessions were analyzed for participant preferences, rationale for choices, key words, and the frequency of words within the videotapes and audiotapes. RESULTS Findings indicated that adolescent mothers preferred pictures in which everyone looked happy, narrative that clearly indicated cost and eligibility, and words that they would use in conversation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The study filled an important gap in the literature by soliciting from pregnant and parenting adolescents their preferences regarding visual appeal, content adequacy, and message clarity of advertisements that would motivate them to visit an Internet intervention for depression. Results could be extrapolated to education of pregnant and parenting adolescents in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cynthia Logsdon
- Professor, School of Nursing, University of Louisville, and Associate Chief of Nursing for Research, University of Louisville Hospital, Kentucky One Health, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Vicki Hines Martin
- Professor, School of Nursing, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Reetta Stikes
- Professor, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Deborah Davis
- Advanced Practice Educator, University of Louisville Hospital, Kentucky One Health, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Lesa Ryan
- Research Assistant, School of Nursing, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Iren Yang
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jean Edward
- Assistant Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeff Rushton
- Director of Digital Media, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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Edwards DF, Menon R, Fokar A, Gibbons C, Wing J, Sanchez B, Kidwell CS. Recruitment of black subjects for a natural history study of intracerebral hemorrhage. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2013; 24:27-35. [PMID: 23377714 PMCID: PMC3644514 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2013.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Historically, recruitment of minority subjects for clinical research has been challenging. We developed culturally-tailored recruitment materials for a longitudinal, natural history study of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and trained recruiting coordinators in cultural competence. Of 285 subjects meeting inclusion criteria, 158 (55% of those eligible) agreed to participate (60% of eligible Blacks vs. 45% of eligible non-Blacks, p..02). Of those enrolled, 138 (87%) agreed to participate in the genetic sub-study (86% of Blacks vs. 90% of non-Blacks enrolled, p..78). Of those subjects who refused enrollment, lack of interest in research (42%) was the most common reason given for the study as a whole. A higher rate of enrollment was achieved in Blacks vs. non-Blacks in this ICH clinical research study employing culturally tailored recruitment approaches and training of recruitment coordinators to overcome traditional recruitment barriers to research participation in minority patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy F Edwards
- Departments of Kinesiology and Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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24
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Felix HC, Adams B, Cornell CE, Fausett JK, Krukowski RA, Love SJ, Prewitt TE, West DS. Barriers and facilitators to senior centers participating in translational research. Res Aging 2012; 36:22-39. [PMID: 25651599 DOI: 10.1177/0164027512466874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Senior centers are ideal locations to deliver evidence-based health promotion programs to the rapidly growing population of older Americans to help them remain healthy and independent in the community. However, little reported research is conducted in partnership with senior centers; thus, not much is known about barriers and facilitators for senior centers serving as research sites. To fill this gap and potentially accelerate research within senior centers to enhance translation of evidence-based interventions into practice, the present study examined barriers and facilitators of senior centers invited to participate in a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Primary barriers to participation related to staffing and perceived inability to recruit older adult participants meeting research criteria. The primary facilitator was a desire to offer programs that were of interest and beneficial to seniors. Senior centers are interested in participating in research that provides benefit to older adults but may need assistance from researchers to overcome participation barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly C Felix
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Becky Adams
- Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock, AR USA
| | - Carol E Cornell
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | | | - ShaRhonda J Love
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - T Elaine Prewitt
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Delia Smith West
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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25
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Beskow LM, Namey EE, Miller PR, Nelson DK, Cooper A. IRB chairs' perspectives on genotype-driven research recruitment. IRB 2012; 34:1-10. [PMID: 22830177 PMCID: PMC3632007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Recruiting research participants based on genetic information generated about them in a prior study is a potentially powerful way to study the functional significance of human genetic variation, but also presents ethical challenges. To inform policy development on this issue, we conducted a survey of U.S. institutional review board chairs concerning the acceptability of recontacting genetic research participants about additional research and their views on the disclosure of individual genetic results as part of recruitment. Our findings suggest there is unlikely to be a “one-size-fits-all” solution, but rather several ethically acceptable approaches to genotype-driven recruitment depending on context. Disclosures made during the consent process for the original study and the clinical validity of the results are key considerations. Researchers must be prepared to communicate and answer questions in clear, lay language about what is known and not known about the role of genetics in their proposed area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Beskow
- Duke Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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26
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Breland-Noble AM, Bell CC, Burriss A, Poole HK. The Significance of Strategic Community Engagement in Recruiting African American Youth & Families for Clinical Research. J Child Fam Stud 2012; 21:273-280. [PMID: 22984337 PMCID: PMC3439824 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-011-9472-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
We present baseline data and describe the utility of a community engaged, culturally relevant approach to recruiting African American youth and families for phase I of The AAKOMA Project. The AAKOMA Project is a two phase treatment development study to improve mental health service use among depressed African American youth. We completed capacity building activities using a community engaged framework and Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) methods. Replicating the (Alvarez et al. in West J Nurs Res 28:541-560, 2006) model of systematic community out-reach enhanced our ability to effectively recruit partners and evaluate outreach efforts as demonstrated by our Recruitment Success Factor (RSF-i.e. 'an adjusted ratio of eligible participant yield to contacts made'). Using the chi-square goodness-of-fit statistic; we compared the RSFs of the various modes of participant study entry to determine which was most effective. Our target enrollment was 56 persons. We recruited 130 and enrolled 57. Our baseline data is drawn from a gender balanced and socioeconomically diverse sample who participated in youth focus groups and individual interviews and adult focus groups. We identified 3 study participant referral modes (self-referral, provider referral and participant-to-participant referral) with multiple sources per mode and an overall RSF of 0.41. Study findings support the effectiveness of assiduous and systematic community interaction, reflective review of recruitment efforts and the importance of disseminating information on strategic recruitment processes for engaging diverse populations in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfiee M. Breland-Noble
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3527, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Carl C. Bell
- Psychiatry and School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago, 1747 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
- Institute for Juvenile Research, University of Illinois, Chicago, 1747 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
- Community Mental Health Council (CMHC), Inc., 8704 S. Constance, Chicago, IL 60617, USA
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27
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Penckofer S, Byrn M, Mumby P, Ferrans CE. Improving subject recruitment, retention, and participation in research through Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations. Nurs Sci Q 2011; 24:146-51. [PMID: 21471039 PMCID: PMC3687539 DOI: 10.1177/0894318411399454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recruitment and retention of persons participating in research is one of the most significant challenges faced by investigators. Although incentives are often used to improve recruitment and retention, evidence suggests that the relationship of the patient to study personnel may be the single, most important factor in subject accrual and continued participation. Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations provides a framework to study the nurse-patient relationship during the research process. In this paper the authors provide a brief summary of research strategies that have been used for the recruitment and retention of subjects and an overview of Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations including its use in research studies. In addition, a discussion of how this theory was used for the successful recruitment and retention of women with type 2 diabetes who participated in a clinical trial using a nurse-delivered psychoeducational intervention for depression is addressed.
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