MRC North West Hub for Trial Methodology Research, University of Liverpool
The role of qualitative research methods in improving recruitment to randomised controlled trials
Professor Jenny Donovan, Head of Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol.
Recruitment to randomised trials is often difficult. Many important trials are not mounted because recruitment is thought to be 'impossible', and most trials suffer from lower levels of recruitment than expected or initially intended. Qualitative research methods (observation and interviews) can be used in many ways to improved trial design and conduct, and particularly to identify areas where recruitment could be improved.
In the ProtecT (prostate cancer treatment) trial, initial qualitative findings showed that recruiters had difficulty discussing randomisation and presenting treatments fairly, and unknowingly used terminology that was misinterpreted by participants. Qualitative research findings were used to target training and feedback to recruiters, to enable them to engage more fully with potential participants about issues such as randomisation and equipoise, and to avoid problematic terms. Levels of informed consent improved markedly, and the randomisation rate increased from 40% to 70% of eligible participants.
Integrating qualitative research methods into randomised trials can facilitate higher levels of informed consent and recruitment, and may be used to improve the design and conduct of trials more generally.’
Date: 24th February 2009
Time: 4.00PM
Venue: The Thompson Yates Lecture Theatre, University of Liverpool
Contact: Kathleen McAdam: k.m.mcadam@liverpool or
Ann Jacoby: [log in to unmask]
ALL WELCOME!
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