Evaluating recruitment methods of patients with advanced cancer: a pragmatic opportunistic comparison

Autor: Alison Blenkinsopp, Zoe Edwards, Duncan Petty, Michael I. Bennett
Rok vydání: 2019
Předmět:
Zdroj: International Journal of Pharmacy Practice. 27:536-544
ISSN: 2042-7174
0961-7671
Popis: Background Recruitment of patients with advanced cancer into studies is challenging. Objective To evaluate recruitment methods in a study of pharmacist-led cancer pain medicine consultations and produce recommendations for future studies. Method Two methods of recruitment were employed: (1) community-based (general practitioner computer search, identification by general practitioner, community pharmacist or district nurse and hospital outpatient list search) and (2) hospice-based (in and outpatient list search). Patients identified in method 1 were invited by post and in method 2 were invited face-to-face. Information was designed in collaboration with patients and carers. Results A total of 128 patients were identified (85 from the community and 43 from the hospice), and 47 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-three agreed to take part and 19 completed the study, 17 of whom were already under specialist palliative care. Recruitment rates were 7% for community-based methods and 40% for hospice. The recruitment methods differed in intensity of resource use. Recruitment via letter and a lack of engagement by healthcare professionals were found to be barriers. Facilitators included the researcher having personal involvement in recruitment. Conclusion The overall recruitment rate was in line with other studies for this patient cohort. Attempts to identify and engage patients through community-based postal contact were less effective than where personal contact with patients was both possible and occurred. Methods were less successful at recruiting patients who were not already engaged with hospice services.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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