Table 3.
Strategies to increase recruitment and retention
| Number | Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1 | Design study so that the intervention and outcomes address the expressed needs of patients. |
| 2 | Demonstrate appreciation (verbal and non-verbal cues, offer reimbursements) when participants complete study activities |
| 3 | Minimize study burden (e.g., position recruitment so that it coincides with the “treatment room” phase of the ED stay, a period where there was sufficient time to present the study and obtain informed consent; reduce wait times and length of visits of follow-up visits; schedule visits around participant’s availability, such as weeknights or weekends; minimize in-person visits). |
| 4 | Provide education about inhaler technique for metered dose inhalers (MDI) and two free MDI spacers for all children 5 to 11 years who present for uncontrolled asthma, even if they subsequently are ineligible for the study or decline to participate in the study (“lead by teaching”). This approach builds support from clinicians for the study and provides the opportunity to explain the study to children and caregivers as an ED-supported program to understand how to improve the care and outcomes of children presenting with uncontrolled asthma. |
| 5 | Send reminders via text, phone, voice mail, or email (as per caregiver preference) for upcoming or missed follow-up visits. |
| 6 | For participants randomized to the ED plus home intervention, provide opportunities for participants to select the topics covered at home visits, or the number of home visits; provide option of completing “home visits” outside of the home if the participant is hesitant about completing a visit in the home (e.g., offer local fast food establishment, apartment complex courtyard). |
| 7 | Offers to complete follow-up outcomes assessments on a day and at a time convenient for the participant, including early morning or evening hours, and weekends. |
| 8 | Obtain multiple sources of contact information; if permitted by caregiver, add contact information for study staff to participant’s phone so that the participant is more likely to answer a call from CHICAGO Plan study staff. |
| 9 | Developed visually appealing materials, culturally tailored to the study population. |
| 10 | Hire and train culturally diverse study staff for study activities. |