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Recruitment of Study Participants

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Fundamentals of Clinical Trials

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Abstract

Often the most difficult task in a clinical trial involves obtaining sufficient study participants within a reasonable time. Time is a critical factor for both scientific and logistical reasons. From a scientific viewpoint, there is an optimal window of time within which a clinical trial can and should be completed. Changes in medical practice, including introduction of new treatment options, may make the trial outdated before it is completed. Other investigators may answer the questions sooner. In terms of logistics, the longer recruitment extends beyond the initially allotted recruitment periods, the greater the pressure becomes to meet the goal. Lagging recruitment will also reduce the statistical power of the trial. Costs increase, frustration, and discouragement often follow. The primary reasons for recruitment failure include overoptimistic expectations, failure to start on time, inadequate planning, and insufficient effort.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bethesda, MD, USA

    Lawrence M. Friedman

  2. School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

    Curt D. Furberg

  3. Department of Biostatistics & Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

    David L. DeMets

Authors
  1. Lawrence M. Friedman
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  2. Curt D. Furberg
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  3. David L. DeMets
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lawrence M. Friedman .

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© 2010 Springer New York

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Friedman, L.M., Furberg, C.D., DeMets, D.L. (2010). Recruitment of Study Participants. In: Fundamentals of Clinical Trials. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1586-3_10

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