Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2006; 11: 31–2
To describe the recruitment challenges, corresponding actions and resulting enrollment for a clinical trial using a Spirituality Teaching Program to treat unipolar major depression.
At trial commencement in January 2005, recruitment was conducted by poster display in family physician clinics and through public service announcements. Information was mailed to those inquiring about the study. In May recruitment procedures were modified: (i) the study poster was redesigned professionally; (ii) the study was explained directly by phone; (iii) low-cost advertisements and poster displays were extended to community magazines, CAM clinics and public display boards. Continuing poor accrual prompted further recruitment modifications in November: (i) high-cost advertisements were placed in newspapers and aired on radio stations; (ii) study nurses became the initial patient contact so that information giving and eligibility screening could take place at the same time.
The table below shows the impact of the above procedures on cost and recruitment in three phases.
| Recruitment phases | Direct advertising cost | Number of inquiries | Number of clients screened | Screening rate | Enrollment | Intake rate |
| Jan–Apr 05 (4 months) | $910 | 69 | 38 | 55.1% | 5 | 7.2% |
| May–Oct 05 (6 months) | $3,170 | 230 | 140 | 60.9% | 31 | 13.5% |
| Nov 05–Apr 06 (6 months) | $40,640 | 414 | 335 | 80.9% | 68 | 16.4% |
Professional advertising and a personal, client-centered approach are necessary to achieve satisfactory trial recruitment of mental health clients.
Funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, Max Bell Foundation and Norlien Foundation.
