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Table 3 Optimising clinical trial recruitment: key points

From: Optimising recruitment in clinical trials for progressive multiple sclerosis: observational analysis from the MS-SMART and MS-STAT2 randomised controlled trials

Optimising clinical trial recruitment: key suggestions

1. In the MS-SMART and MS-STAT2 trials for people with SPMS at UCL, between 4 and 6 potential participants were contacted for every 1 participant successfully recruited. Substantial resources are therefore required to meet recruitment targets.

2. For large, multi-centre trials, we find that it is most efficient to target efforts aimed at increasing participant referrals on national media outlets. Informing MS specialists about trials via professional organisations and regular supporting charity involvement also appeared beneficial. Attending smaller patient outreach meetings generates few referrals—though continuing these as remote teleconferences may improve efficiency

3. We find an online Registration of Interest Portal with accompanying eligibility questionnaire to be an essential source of high-volume referrals, although they require careful design and active management. We suggest that completion of such an online portal and questionnaire should be considered mandatory for all potential participants. The questionnaires may benefit from a greater emphasis on whether potential participants have considered the logistics and travel required to attend regular study visits

4. Telephone pre-screening is able to exclude the majority of ineligible participants. It is therefore essential in order to minimise face-to-face screening failures and may be improved through the use of detailed eligibility checklists.

5. We find that clear appointment instructions and text appointment reminders are simple interventions that may improve attendance at face-to-face screening appointments

6. Difficulty with travel to trial sites was the most common reason for failure to recruit potential participants. Efforts should be made to reduce the number of face-to-face visits and increasing travel expenses, where possible