Educational information events to enhance recruitment to clinical research trials

Background: Recruitment to clinical trials is often slower and more challenging than expected with trials often failing to recruit their target sample size within agreed timelines. Aims and objectives: Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust (PHT) Respiratory Research Team have built a database of patients with respiratory diseases who have consented to being contacted to discuss participation in research trials. We wanted to see whether Educational Information Events would help encourage participation in clinical research. Methods: The database of respiratory patients was interrogated with trial inclusion criteria for 2 PHT hosted trials, LASER (Laminar Airflow in Severe asthma for Exacerbation Reduction) and SENSOR (Self-management tests to predict exacerbations in patients with long-term respiratory conditions.) Suitable patients were invited to attend an Educational Information Event. Events included education about the condition (Asthma or Bronchiectasis) including self-management and an overview of the clinical trial with demonstration of the device/technology being used. Attendees were given a Participant Information Sheet and, if interested, booked to attend a screening clinic to further assess their eligibility for the trial. Results: 90% of attendees were interested in participating in a trial and booked a trial screening visit. 49% of attendees were randomised to participate in a trial. Conclusions: Educational Information Events provide an opportunity to educate patients about their condition whilst enhancing recruitment to clinical trials.