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INTRODUCTION: Recruitment of patients to participate in randomized control trials (RCT) is a challenging task, especially for trauma trials in which the identification and recruitment are time-limited. Multiple strategies have been tried to improve the participation of doctors and the recruitment of patients. The aim was to study the effect of a trainee principal investigator (TPI) on the efficacy of recruitment for a multicenter hip fracture RCT. METHODS: A retrospective study comparing the number of junior doctors participating in the WHiTE 8 COPAL RCT and patients recruited before and after the introduction of formal TPI role at a major trauma center in the UK. Data was collected for nine months "before" (Nov 2018-July 2019) and six months "after" (Sept 2019-Feb 2020) the role of TPI was assigned. RESULTS: From November 2018 to February 2020, a total of 292 patients were eligible for recruitment into this trial, out of which 196 (67.12 %) were successfully recruited. Excluding the research team, there were seven junior doctors actively recruiting in the "before period" in comparison with 10 in the "after period." Significantly more patients were recruited by junior doctors after a TPI was assigned. Overall, more percentage of eligible patients were recruited into the trial after a TPI was assigned, and this was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The allocation of a formal TPI significantly improved the recruitment of patients in a national RCT. TPI can work alongside the principal investigator and research team to be a valuable link person coordinating and engaging local trainees to take part in trials.
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BACKGROUND: Research has led to substantial improvement in health and quality of life. It is pertinent for doctors to participate in research to keep up with the advances of modern medicine and forms one of the seven pillars of clinical governance defined by the General Medical Council. However, clinicians face multiple barriers to participating in research. The objective of this study was to identify barriers in participation and to recommend solutions for better engagement in orthopaedic research. METHODOLOGY: Trauma and Orthopaedic consultants and junior doctors in Wales were asked to complete a web-based survey with 15 questions about barriers to participation and suggestions for increasing involvement in clinical research. RESULTS: A total of 148 completed forms were received which included 60 consultants and 88 junior doctors. The response rate was 86%. The most frequently reported barriers to clinical research were time constraints, excess paperwork, lack of knowledge about research methods, and lack of awareness of ongoing research studies. Most participants were keen to be involved in research in the future. Majority responded that they would more likely take part in research activity if there were formal training sessions and more dedicated research sessions scheduled into their timetable. Need for more incentives and allocation of a research officer were other suggestions. Most orthopaedic staff recognised the relevance of research to their job/training. Conclusion: There are multiple perceived barriers to participating in research at all levels in the orthopaedic community; however, these could be mitigated by implementing simple measures.