Swiss chocolate and free beverages to increase the motivation for scientific work amongst residents: a prospective interventional study in a non-academic teaching hospital in Switzerland

Annika Rühle,Dimitri E Delagrammaticas,Frank J P Beeres,Reto Babst,Henning Fischer,Florian Oehme,Michael Stickel,Jürg Metzger,Björn-Christian Link

doi:10.1186/s13063-019-3956-5

Annika Rühle, Dimitri E Delagrammaticas + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3956-5

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Abstract

BackgroundThe success of a clinical trial depends on its recruitment of eligible patients; therefore, the recruitment period requires special attention. We hypothesized that with a new approach focused on continuous information and gratification, resident motivation to participate in scientific work will increase and recruitment rates will improve.MethodsOur new recruitment approach was applied to the recruitment phase of two prospective randomized trials (registered at the German Clinical Trials Register). Randomization of these trials was performed first using blinded envelopes; later a soft drink machine was used as the delivery tool of randomization as a lighthearted motivation to join scientific work and to reward the resident with free soft drinks for each recruitment. Residents were informed about the trial via a lecture and by mail. To increase interest everyone received Swiss chocolate. With a multiple choice survey we investigated the success of our actions at 6 and 12 months. Recruitment rates of the trials were evaluated and associated with the motivational approaches.ResultsOur residents rated their awareness of the trials with median 9 (IQR 7;9) during the first and 8 (IQR 5;9) during the second survey and their interest in scientific work with median 7 (IQR 4;8) and 6 (IQR 5;8). The percentage of residents feeling highly motivated improved from 58% to 70%. The recruitment rates stayed stably high over time with 73% and 72% in trial 1 and 90% and 85% in trial 2; 24% of residents stated their motivation could be increased by gratifications.ConclusionsAfter implementation of our new recruitment approach we found positively motivated residents and high recruitment rates in the corresponding trials. We propose this procedure may help to ensure the successful initiation of clinical trials. Larger studies testing this approach are warranted.

Highlights

The success of a clinical trial depends on its recruitment of eligible patients; the recruitment period requires special attention
Given an increased emphasis on the importance of work–life balance in recent years [7], we hypothesize that the motivation to do extra work above the required clinical duties is a key factor influencing the recruitment rate, and thereby influences the success of completing prospective clinical trials, especially in hospitals without a strong scientific infrastructure
The median response amongst residents identifying a basic interest in clinical scientific work was 7 (IQR 4–8) in the first survey and 6 (IQR 5–8) in the second (p = 0.87)

Summary

Introduction

The success of a clinical trial depends on its recruitment of eligible patients; the recruitment period requires special attention. We hypothesized that with a new approach focused on continuous information and gratification, resident motivation to participate in scientific work will increase and recruitment rates will improve. Especially if targeting patients with emergency operations, participant recruitment is, in our experience, often conducted during first patient contact at the emergency department (ED). Given an increased emphasis on the importance of work–life balance in recent years [7], we hypothesize that the motivation to do extra work above the required clinical duties is a key factor influencing the recruitment rate, and thereby influences the success of completing prospective clinical trials, especially in hospitals without a strong scientific infrastructure

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