Table 1 Patient-centered values and strategies
From: Patient-centered recruitment and retention for a randomized controlled study
Patient-centered core concepts | Recruitment strategies | Retention strategies |
|---|---|---|
Trust | • Physician involvement and knowledge of the study  ° Physician introduces patient to study and to research staff • Ensure patient protection of health information and identity  ° Utilization of unique ID numbers instead of identifiers | • Upkeep physicians ongoing involvement  ° Physician remains up to date with study to answer any questions • Assure easy accessibility to research staff |
Attitude | • Encourage physicians to educate patients about importance of this research • Emphasize altruistic value of study • Foster encouragement from family members • Positive attitudes of clinicians, office staff, and research staff towards study • Previous experience with research studies • Systematic preparation by research staff prior to recruitment | Personalized handwritten thank-you notes for continued participation to maintain high interest over the entire study duration |
Communication | • Use of brochures and flyers in hospitals and clinics of physicians  ° Easily understandable • Effective communication when recruiting in person and via telephone  ° Personality, professionalism, full knowledge of study • Easily accessible research materials and staff  ° Websites with study aims and contact list | • Remind nonresponsive participants  ° Contact via preferred method of communication (telephone or email)  ° Make telephone calls during optimal hours of between 4 pm and 6 pm  ° Re-sending assessment packages |
Expectations | • Provide detailed but concise explanation of study purpose  ° Full disclosure of study requirements and time commitment • Convey physicians’ interest in the research • Introduce compensatory incentives  ° Provide gift cards at baseline and at follow-up completion to appreciate participation | • Engage stakeholders’ advisory board via regular meetings • Provide updates on study  ° Send letters of progress reports • Hold weekly meetings with research staff across all sites  ° Discuss updated retention numbers and progress  ° Resolve any challenges faced |