Abstract
Purpose: To examine recruitment and retention strategies in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) clinical trials focusing on identifying gaps and proposing methods to improve inclusivity and participant retention.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 36 HS clinical trials published between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Data were extracted regarding general trial characteristics and specific recruitment and retention strategies. We statistically analyzed frequencies of recruitment and retention strategies by using Stata 18 SE.
Results: None of the 36 trials documented specific recruitment strategies for underrepresented populations or retention measures to reduce participant dropout rates. None mentioned diversity goals in the recruitment process. Most trials (63.9%) received industry funding, and therapeutic intervention was the most common type (97.2%). The lack of documented strategies highlights a significant gap in ensuring diverse participation in HS clinical trials.
Conclusions: Our study highlights a significant deficiency in recruitment and retention strategies in HS clinical trials, which can affect the generalizability and relevance of findings, especially for diverse and marginalized groups. Implementing targeted recruitment strategies, such as financial incentives and community engagement, and retention measures, like reminder calls and flexible scheduling, is essential. Future research should prioritize innovative methods to boost participation and retention among underrepresented populations, which is key to reducing health disparities and improving HS treatment efficacy and equity.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 36 HS clinical trials published between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Data were extracted regarding general trial characteristics and specific recruitment and retention strategies. We statistically analyzed frequencies of recruitment and retention strategies by using Stata 18 SE.
Results: None of the 36 trials documented specific recruitment strategies for underrepresented populations or retention measures to reduce participant dropout rates. None mentioned diversity goals in the recruitment process. Most trials (63.9%) received industry funding, and therapeutic intervention was the most common type (97.2%). The lack of documented strategies highlights a significant gap in ensuring diverse participation in HS clinical trials.
Conclusions: Our study highlights a significant deficiency in recruitment and retention strategies in HS clinical trials, which can affect the generalizability and relevance of findings, especially for diverse and marginalized groups. Implementing targeted recruitment strategies, such as financial incentives and community engagement, and retention measures, like reminder calls and flexible scheduling, is essential. Future research should prioritize innovative methods to boost participation and retention among underrepresented populations, which is key to reducing health disparities and improving HS treatment efficacy and equity.
Original language | American English |
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Pages | 40 |
State | Published - 13 Sep 2024 |
Event | 2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health - Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, United States Duration: 13 Sep 2024 → 13 Sep 2024 |
Conference
Conference | 2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health |
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Abbreviated title | STRIDE 2024 |
Country/Territory | United States |
City | Tahlequah |
Period | 13/09/24 → 13/09/24 |