Patient‐initiated recruitment for clinical research: Evaluation of an outpatient letter research statement

• DOI: 10.1111/hex.12642
• Publication Date: 2017-11-22T05:09:56Z
• Authors: Matthias Wienroth; Louise Caffrey; Charles Wolfe; Christopher McKevitt
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Outpatient clinic; Statement (logic); Health Literacy

Abstract Background UK Hospital Trusts are charged with increasing patients’ research awareness and willingness to take part in research. This includes implementing strategies encourage patient‐initiated enquiries about participation. Objectives To evaluate the impact of a statement inserted outpatient letters one clinical service, derive suggestions on potential steps towards recruitment. Setting A medical clinic research‐active hospital trust, serving an inner‐city multi‐ethnic population across two boroughs. Methods Pre‐intervention post‐intervention questionnaires were administered face‐to‐face new patients. Questionnaires included closed questions open comments section. Data analysed for frequencies, thematic coding open‐ended responses. Results The response rates 87% pre‐intervention survey 92% survey. In survey, 85% patients did not notice letter. More than half found “a little unclear,” whilst one‐third considered it “clear.” Three‐quarters respondents perceived be helpful.” Only person enquired participating having read Conclusion analysis suggests that simple, single‐solution approaches such as including statements unlikely sufficient significantly facilitate Recruitment efforts need into consideration diversity patient constituencies reasons they seek health care, how can meaningfully access information (research literacy).