Optimizing Recruitment in Randomized Controlled Trials

The evidence provided by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is most reliable for evaluating the effects of a health care intervention. However, their successful conduct can be hindered by difficulties in subject recruitment and retention. Several strategies are used to facilitate adequate and timely recruitment of participants to RCTs. We have employed multiple strategies such as increasing patient awareness by means of different education tools, a robust information delivery system, and incentivization methods. It is also important to ensure that the appropriate research infrastructure is in place to enroll and randomize patients while employing a variety of strategies that also focus on retention of subjects to ensure that recruitment targets are met and the sample size at study endpoint for the primary outcome of choice is achieved.