Table 3 Distribution of factors influencing recruitment by reported prevalence and impact
Very commonly reported (80% +) | Reported by majority (50-79%) | Reported by minority (<50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Strong consensus (>80%) that factor enhances access to potential participants | 23. Gatekeepers express interest in research | 17. A senior member of the research team meets gatekeepers to promote the trial. | 20. Members of the target population (those potentially affected by trial outcomes) promote referral to the trial with gatekeepers. |
18. Gatekeepers receive structured updates about recruitment progress | 4. Managers instruct gatekeepers to refer participants. | ||
19. The trial is marketed directly to the target population | 5. An identified member of the gatekeeping team is responsible for facilitating referral. | ||
3. Site management proactively endorses trial referral. | |||
12. Assessment of eligibility is integrated with routine clinical practice. | |||
2. Gatekeepers have protected time for research. | |||
Majority (50-79%) felt that factor enhances access to potential participants | 14. The intervention is only accessible through the trial. | 29. Site recruitment targets (number of participants and/or time frames) are agreed with gatekeepers. | 1. Gatekeepers refer to the NHS commitment to patient participation in research. |
28. Researchers set recruitment targets. | 22. Researchers share the professional background of the gatekeeper. | ||
16. Trial investigators have a structured approach to promoting the trial. | 26. Incentives (e.g. chocolates/prize draw) are provided to gatekeepers for the referral of potential participants. | ||
21. Gatekeepers are advised that the target population has been involved in trial design | |||
Majority (>50%) reported factor made no difference | 27. Researchers encourage competition between study sites in relation to recruitment | ||
8. Gatekeepers are masked to treatment allocation | |||
Majority (50-79%) felt that factor inhibits access to potential participants | 6. Concurrent recruitment to multiple trials is taking place from individual sites. | 11. Referral to the trial requires gatekeepers to complete questionnaires or an interview about themselves. | |
24. Gatekeepers base referral on criteria other than those specified in the trial protocol. | |||
15. Gatekeepers hold views about the effectiveness/appropriateness of the intervention. | 7. Trial design is non-simple. | ||
Strong consensus (>80%) that factor inhibits access to potential participants | |||
9. Site is undergoing substantial organisational restructuring/change. | 25. Gatekeepers believe trial participation will negatively affect their relationship with potential participants. | ||
10. Trial participation requires ongoing involvement of the gatekeeper. | |||
13. Referral requires gatekeepers to complete questionnaires or an interview about service users. |