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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2016 Oct;22(10):836-842.
doi: 10.1089/tmj.2015.0263. Epub 2016 Mar 16.

Adult Cancer Patient Recruitment and Enrollment into Cell Phone Text Message Trials

Sandra L Spoelstra  1 , Alla Sikorskii  2 , Charles W Given  3 , Constantinos K Coursaris  4 , Atreyee Majumder  2 , Monica Schueller  1 , Barbara A Given  5
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Adult Cancer Patient Recruitment and Enrollment into Cell Phone Text Message Trials

Sandra L Spoelstra et al. Telemed J E Health. 2016 Oct.

Abstract

Introduction: Text messaging (TMs) on cell phones is emerging as an effective means of delivering behavioral interventions. However, little is known about TM use in adult cancer patients. The present study aimed to extend knowledge on acceptability of a TM intervention in adult cancer patients; examine factors of those screened and enrolled; and compare recruitment at a large national specialty pharmacy versus community-based cancer clinics.

Materials and methods: Screening, enrollment, and baseline data collected in two randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of TMs on medication adherence or symptom severity in adults prescribed oral anticancer agents were linked. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, t-tests, and generalized linear modeling were used to examine sociodemographics, cancer type and stage, depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, social support, and symptoms.

Results: The cancer clinics screened 293 patients, 43% were eligible, and 56% consented. The specialty pharmacy screened 169 patients, 72% were eligible, and 74% consented. Mean age was 58 years and did not differ by recruitment setting. Later stage disease (p = 0.01) and higher number of symptoms (p < 0.01), and symptom severity (p = 0.02) and interference (p = 0.01) were observed among patients recruited at the specialty pharmacy. No group differences were found for depression, physical function, cognition, self-efficacy, or social support.

Discussion: Adult cancer patients were likely to participate in a TM intervention trial. Recruiting through the specialty pharmacy reached a population with higher cell phone ownership and TM usage; with greater interest in a TM intervention compared to the cancer clinics.

Keywords: cancer; m-health; oncology; randomized controlled trial; recruitment; text messaging.

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Conflict of interest statement

Statement No competing financial interests exist.

Figures

<b>Fig. 1.</b>
Fig. 1.
CONSORT chart of patients screened, eligible, and enrolled at the specialty pharmacy.
<b>Fig. 2.</b>
Fig. 2.
CONSORT chart of patients screened, eligible, and enrolled at the National Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Community Cancer Centers.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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