Annie Blyth Senior Research Associate, School of Medicine, University of East Anglia, Norwich
Vivienne Maskrey Senior Research Associate, University of East Anglia, Norwich
Abstract
Background: Poor recruitment and retention into smoking cessation studies is common and less than a third of UK RCTs achieve their recruitment targets. Common barriers for participation include: low smoking disclosure, lack of time or interest, poor information and lack of enthusiasm from professionals. SHARPISH is an NIHR funded RCT with a recruitment target of 1,400 verified quitters from NHS Stop Smoking Services. During the first few months after starting, we experienced an under target recruitment trend.
Objective: To explore measures taken to improve participant recruitment in SHARPISH study.
Results: Several “common sense” strategies were successfully deployed, such as enlisting the assistance of the PCRN in recruiting more study sites and recruiters. In addition, the researchers engaged creatively with the recruiters by involving them in interesting activities and events. After taking some practical measures, the recruitment rate has been considerably improved. By March 2013, 1252 participants have been recruited, and 1150 followed up at 3 months (94%) and 392 at 12 (88%) months post quit.
Conclusions: Experience obtained from SHARPISH study about participant recruitment could help the design of future trials of stop smoking interventions.
