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Table 1 Characteristics of the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) used to develop the Quanti-Qualitative Appointment Timing (Q-QAT) technique

From: A simple technique to identify key recruitment issues in randomised controlled trials: Q-QAT - quanti-qualitative appointment timing

 

RCT1

RCT2

Context

Elective procedure, not life-threatening

Life-threatening cancer

Specialties

Surgery

Surgery and oncology

Treatment groups

Standard surgery versus minimally invasive procedure

Chemotherapy plus either surgery or radiotherapy

Centres for qualitative research

1

3

Clinicians who provided audio-recordings

3 surgeons; 1 research nurse

Centre 1: 4 surgeons, 2 oncologists

Centre 2: 1 surgeon, 2 oncologists

Centre 3: none

Recruitment process

Treatment options and recruitment discussion by surgeon, in the same appointment as history-taking, diagnosis and examination. Sometimes follow-up by nurse

Dedicated appointments for treatment options and recruitment discussion. Separate appointments with surgeon and with oncologist

Number of consultation audio-recordings obtained

13 with surgeons

Total: 26 pairs

8 with research nurse

(Centre 1: 19 pairs, Centre 2: 7 pairs, Centre 3: none)

Q-QAT applied to

13 surgeon appointments

Total: 11 pairs

(Centre 1: 7 pairs, Centre 2: 4 pairs)

Number of interviews

5 patient interviews

18 interviews with 16 patients

Unrecorded discussions with CI

(Centre 1: 9, Centre 2: 3, Centre 3: 4)

20 staff interviews

(Centre 1: 10, Centre 2: 4, Centre 3: 6)

Unrecorded discussions with CI

  1. Abbreviation: CI Chief Investigator.