36 research outputs found
Design, planning and implementation lessons learnt from a surgical multi-centre randomised controlled trial
Background
Increasingly, pragmatic randomised controlled trials are being used to evaluate surgical interventions, although they present particular difficulties in regards to recruitment and retention.
Methods
Procedures and processes related to implementation of a multi-centre pragmatic surgical randomised controlled trial are discussed. In this surgical trial, forecasting of consent rates based on similar trials and micro-costing of study activities with research partners were undertaken and a video was produced targeting recruiting staff with the aim of aiding recruitment. The baseline assessments were reviewed to ensure the timing did not impact on the outcome. Attrition due to procedure waiting time was monitored and data were triangulated for the primary outcome to ensure adequate follow-up data.
Results
Forecasting and costing ensured that the recruitment window was of adequate length and adequate resource was available for study procedures at multiple clinics in each hospital. Recruiting staff found the recruitment video useful. The comparison of patient-reported data collected prior to randomisation and prior to treatment provided confidence in the baseline data. Knowledge of participant dropout due to delays in treatment meant we were able to increase the recruitment target in a timely fashion, and along with the triangulation of data sources, this ensured adequate follow-up of randomised participants.
Conclusions
This paper provides a range of evidence-based and experience-based approaches which, collectively, resulted in meeting our study objectives and from which lessons may be transferable
Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Radiation Oncology: Initial Experience After Workflow Implementation
Use of Proxy Variables to Determine the Impact of Protocol Complexity on Clinical Research Site Productivity
Plans to Stop Cancer Screening Tests Among Adults Who Recently Considered Screening
We sought to estimate what proportion of adults plan to stop cancer screening tests among adults who recently considered screening and to explore factors associated with these screening plans
Patients’ Perceptions of Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests and Preparatory Education in Federally Qualified Health Centers
Prostate Cancer Ambassadors: Enhancing a Theory-Informed Training Program for Informed Decision-Making
The role of body image in treatment decision-making and post-treatment regret following prostatectomy
Three main treatments are offered to men with localised prostate cancer: active monitoring, radiotherapy and prostatectomy. The aim of this research was to explore the role of body image in treatment decision-making and post-treatment regret following prostatectomy for localised prostate cancer. Data were collected via nine semi-structured interviews. Interviews underwent thematic analysis and four themes emerged: need to prolong life, loss of function and self, post-surgery effects on body image and confidence, and coping strategies. Participants revealed that loss of erectile function following surgery resulted in reduced self-confidence, and changes in their perception of their body