Abstract
Background
Randomised controlled trials (‘trials’) are susceptible to poor participant recruitment and retention. Studies Within A Trial (SWATs) are the strongest methods for testing the effectiveness of strategies to improve recruitment and retention. However, relatively few of these have been conducted.
Aims
PROMoting THE USE of Studies Within A Trial (PROMETHEUS) aimed to facilitate at least 25 SWATs evaluating recruitment or retention strategies. We share our experience of delivering the PROMETHEUS programme, and the lessons learnt for undertaking randomised SWATs.
Design
A network of 10 Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) and one primary care research centre committed to conducting randomised controlled SWATs of recruitment and/or retention strategies was established. Promising recruitment and retention strategies were identified from various sources including Cochrane systematic reviews, the SWAT Repository, and existing prioritisation exercises,
which were reviewed by patient and public (PPI) members to create an initial priority list of seven recruitment and eight retention interventions.
Host trial teams could apply for funding and receive support from the PROMETHEUS team to undertake SWATs. We also tested the feasibility of undertaking coordinated SWATs, across multiple host trials simultaneously.
Setting
CTU-based trials recruiting or following up participants in any setting in the UK were eligible.
Participants
CTU-based teams undertaking trials in any clinical context in the UK.
Interventions
Funding of up to £5,000 and support from the PROMETHEUS team to design, implement, and report SWATs.
Main outcome measures
Number of host trials funded
Randomised controlled trials (‘trials’) are susceptible to poor participant recruitment and retention. Studies Within A Trial (SWATs) are the strongest methods for testing the effectiveness of strategies to improve recruitment and retention. However, relatively few of these have been conducted.
Aims
PROMoting THE USE of Studies Within A Trial (PROMETHEUS) aimed to facilitate at least 25 SWATs evaluating recruitment or retention strategies. We share our experience of delivering the PROMETHEUS programme, and the lessons learnt for undertaking randomised SWATs.
Design
A network of 10 Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) and one primary care research centre committed to conducting randomised controlled SWATs of recruitment and/or retention strategies was established. Promising recruitment and retention strategies were identified from various sources including Cochrane systematic reviews, the SWAT Repository, and existing prioritisation exercises,
which were reviewed by patient and public (PPI) members to create an initial priority list of seven recruitment and eight retention interventions.
Host trial teams could apply for funding and receive support from the PROMETHEUS team to undertake SWATs. We also tested the feasibility of undertaking coordinated SWATs, across multiple host trials simultaneously.
Setting
CTU-based trials recruiting or following up participants in any setting in the UK were eligible.
Participants
CTU-based teams undertaking trials in any clinical context in the UK.
Interventions
Funding of up to £5,000 and support from the PROMETHEUS team to design, implement, and report SWATs.
Main outcome measures
Number of host trials funded
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Health Services and Delivery Research |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 16 Dec 2022 |