An examination of recruitment to a novel smoke-free homes intervention (RCT) targeting caregivers with children under five years old
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Author(s)
Rebecca Thorley, Juliette Cook and Magdalena Opazo Breton
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| Presenter(s) |
Juliette Cook Research Assistant, University of Nottingham |
Alexandra Larwood Research Assistant, University of Nottingham |
Abstract Based on previous qualitative studies and a phase II feasibility study, a randomised controlled trial (RCT), comparing a targeted smoke-free homes intervention (including using NRT for temporary abstinence) to a low-intensity control intervention, was designed (results expected in 2016). We report the learning from the recruitment phase of the RCT.
Methods
Five pathways were used for recruitment into the RCT; Health Visitor clinics and referrals, Sure Start Children’s Centre sessions, posters and flyers, snowballing and a mail shot.
Results
• 6685 people approached to date, of whom 1295 were smokers and 257 satisfied the eligibility criteria.
• Recruitment was highest in Children Centres (122 potential participants out of 190).
• To recruit one participant the team attend 23 Children’s Centre sessions or 5 fun days. The time and distance equates to an average
of attending 20.4 hours of sessions and driving 153.9 miles.
• 9 out of 10 potential participants consented to being randomised.
• 500 letters sent to parents highlighted by health visitors, did not return any participants.
Conclusions
1. Recruitment of smokers from low income households into the RCT using our preferred pathways is labour intensive and resource
heavy.
2. Caregivers approached in a Primary Care setting are less likely to report smoking at home.
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Presenter biography Juliette Cook is a Research Assistant with previous experience on trials involving extensive participant field work. Working on the Smoke Free Homes Trial and has developed and expanded opportunities for recruitment into the research by working alongside the teams highlighted in recruitment pathways.
Alexandra Larwood is a Research Assistant on the Smoke Free homes Trial. Alexandra worked on a number of trials within the UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies and is also a fully trained smoking cessation advisor.
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Source of funding: NIHR
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