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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2023 Feb 20;24(2):228-235.
doi: 10.5811/westjem.2022.11.57179.

Optimizing Recruitment and Retention in Substance Use Disorder Research in Emergency Departments

Lindsay M Worth  1 , Wendy Macias-Konstantopoulos  2 , Lauren Moy  3 , Harold I Perl  4 , Cameron Crandall  5 , Roberta Chavez  6 , Alyssa Forcehimes  7 , Raul Mandler  8 , Michael P Bogenschutz  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Optimizing Recruitment and Retention in Substance Use Disorder Research in Emergency Departments

Lindsay M Worth et al. West J Emerg Med. .

Abstract

Introduction: Clinical trial recruitment and retention of individuals who use substances are challenging in any setting and can be particularly difficult in emergency department (ED) settings. This article discusses strategies for optimizing recruitment and retention in substance use research conducted in EDs.

Methods: Screening, Motivational Assessment, Referral, and Treatment in Emergency Departments (SMART-ED) was a National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) protocol designed to assess the impact of a brief intervention with individuals screening positive for moderate to severe problems related to use of non-alcohol, non-nicotine drugs. We implemented a multisite, randomized clinical trial at six academic EDs in the United States and leveraged a variety of methods to successfully recruit and retain study participants throughout the 12-month study course. Recruitment and retention success is attributed to appropriate site selection, leveraging technology, and gathering adequate contact information from participants at their initial study visit.

Results: The SMART-ED recruited 1,285 adult ED patients and attained follow-up rates of 88%, 86%, and 81% at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up periods, respectively. Participant retention protocols and practices were key tools in this longitudinal study that required continuous monitoring, innovation, and adaptation to ensure strategies remained culturally sensitive and context appropriate through the duration of the study.

Conclusion: Tailored strategies that consider the demographic characteristics and region of recruitment and retention are necessary for ED-based longitudinal studies involving patients with substance use disorders.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: By the WestJEM article submission agreement, all authors are required to disclose all affiliations, funding sources and financial or management relationships that could be perceived as potential sources of bias. This article submission is based on recruitment and retention results from the Screening, Motivational Assessment, Referral, and Treatment in Emergency Departments (SMART-ED) research study supported by the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) protocol (Trial Registration www.clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01207791). There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure
Figure
Sample contact log.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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