Abstract WP333: Clinical Research Coordinators' Barriers and Best Practices to Minority Recruitment in Stroke Clinical Trials

Abstract

Background: Poor recruitment and retention of clinical trial participants continues to be a major contributor to the early termination of many clinical trials. Specifically, low racial-ethnic minority and female participation rates can limit scientific, economic, and ethical value of a clinical trial. Previous literature has explored patient-centered enrollment barriers, while research has yet to investigate recruitment challenges facing clinical research coordinators (CRCs). Aim: To gain insight of the barriers facings CRCs with particular attention to minority and female recruitment efforts. Methods: Two semi-structured focus groups were conducted with a purposive sample of stroke CRCs in 2013 (N=17) and 2014 (N=23). Discussion topics included: 1) integrating NIH Inclusion Policy into trial design and recruitment strategies; 2) experiences recruiting minorities and women in stroke/neurological trials; and 3) strategies to enhance minority and female involvement. Two reviewers independently developed an initial set of base codes (n=6). Reviewers met and reconciled their independent coding using the 2013 transcript before applying the same process to the 2014 transcript. Codes and sub-codes were used to identify thematic areas. Results: Both focus groups included majority female participants with nearly half holding nursing degree. Codes informed three thematic areas: administration, enrollment and “other.” Administrative findings highlight organizational barriers. Enrollment findings identified challenges related to the severity of condition and time limitations. The “other” theme cut across administration and enrollment, often informed by coordinators’ personal experiences. Personal barriers include biases and uncertainty approaching patients from diverse backgrounds. Participants identified coordinator conferences, trainings, Internet resources, direct support from PIs and team building between hospital and research staff as key strategies. Conclusion: Our findings identified multi-dimensional organizational, administrative and resource barriers and the need for more focused CRC support to enhance participant recruitment efforts in stroke clinical research.