Recruiting elderly patients for non-interventional research: successful strategies and lessons learnt

Our aims were to profile individuals unable to be recruited to a community based noninterventional study investigating warfarin safety, and to share the lessons learnt. Methods: The target population comprised community-based adults stabilised on warfarin. Recruitment strategies included partnering with a third party pathology provider, an opt out approach, and minimising the timeframe to recruitment. De-identified data for patients who could and could not be successfully recruited were analysed according to gender, age and reason for declining/inability to participate. Results: Of 734 eligible patients, 486 were recruited successfully (66 ). Of the 247 patients not able to be recruited, the median age was 79 years; 60 were female. Reasons for unsuccessful recruitment included: 115 (47 ) opted out , 57 (23 ) were too unwell, 39 (16 ) due to health professional s recommendation, and 36 (14 ) were not contactable. Successful strategies included the opt out approach and using a known and trusted third party during patient recruitment. Discussion: Lessons learnt are that multi-dimensional partnerships, including a familiar third party such as a pathology provider or doctor, could be of benefit. An opt out approach, when not used as a substitute for consent, can also be beneficial for recruitment and decreasing administrative burden for GPs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reaxys Database Information