Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39211398›Full record

ArticleHRB open research2023

A qualitative exploration of advantages and disadvantages to using technology in the process of randomised controlled trial recruitment.

Lauren A Muldowney, Sinéad M Hynes, Megan Oglesby, Christopher P Dwyer

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in HRB open research, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Article
  3. Article
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Lauren A MuldowneySchool of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, County Galway, Ireland.
Sinéad M HynesOccupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, County Galway, Ireland.
Megan OglesbyOccupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, County Galway, Ireland.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8772-5546
Christopher P DwyerTeacher Education, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Westmeath, Ireland.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5935-4338

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Despite its importance, recruiting a sufficient sample size for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) can pose a significant challenge, which has real-world impact on reliability of evidence, trial completion and ultimately, patient care. Technology has potential to enhance the recruitment process, but there is a lack of evidence regarding its current use and effectiveness. Consistent with findings from the PRioRiTy I study, the current research aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages to using technology during the recruitment process for RCTs. Methods: Semi-structured interviews (n=7) were conducted with researchers involved in RCT recruitment in Ireland. Subsequently, a Public & Patient Involvement (PPI) panel focus group (n=3) was conducted to add further depth to these findings. The data were qualitatively analysed through 'Reflexive Thematic Analysis' to extract prominent themes. Results: A superordinate theme arose: Conclusions: This study provided a deeper understanding of the factors which influence researchers to employ technology in recruitment for RCTs. Implications suggest that future researchers should aim to adapt their recruitment approaches to meet digital tool preferences of their target cohort; and engage with patient groups in the community to allow networking opportunities for future studies. This research may contribute towards maximising efficiency in RCT recruitment.

Indexed as

patient and public involvementtechnology in RCT recruitmentthematic analysistrial recruitmenttrials methodology

Identifiers

PMID39211398
PMCPMC11358689

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.