Introduction Failure to recruit is a common problem in RCTs (randomized controlled trials) in primary care (Tognoni et al., 1991; Hunt et al., 2001) and is the main reason for the failure of trials. It is reported that 66% of trials never reach their projected sam- ple size and the losses are often due to refusal of doctors or patients to participate (Charlson and Horowitz, 1984). Factors such as overwork and forgetfulness are reasons which are often given for general practitioners’ (GPs) refusal to participate in the first instance or to fail to recruit any patients even if they have originally agreed to participate in a study (Murphy et al., 1992). It has been claimed that the majority of GPs are not interested in research (Silargy and Carson, 1989), and it is suggested that RCTs are much Primary Health Care Research & Development 2007; 8: 264–270 doi: 10.1017/S146342360700031X © 2007 Cambridge University Press Achieving target recruitment in a primary care trial: lessons from PRIDE* Carolyn A. Chew-Graham School of Community Based Medicine, University of Manchester, UK, Karina Lovell School of Nursing, University of Manchester, UK, Chris Roberts School of Epidemiology and Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK, Bob Baldwin Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust (MMHSCT), Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK, Michael Morley MMHSCT, Manchester, UK, Alistair Burns MMHSCT, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK and Heather Burroughs School of Community Based Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK Background: Failure to reach recruitment targets is a widespread problem in RCTs (ran- domized controlled trials). This paper presents experience of recruiting patients into the PRIDE trial which was carried out in one Primary Care Trust (PCT) in the North West of England. Aim: The aim of this feasibility study was to test the effectiveness of a new model of care for the management of late-life depression. Method: GPs (general practi- tioners), PNs (practice nurses) and community nurses were invited to refer patients into the study. Over 100 patients were needed (at least 50 in each arm of the trial) for the study to be sufficiently powered. On-target recruitment of over 100 patients over 18 months was achieved. Findings: Data obtained from conversations and from semi-structured interviews with health professionals is presented to give possible explanations for this successful recruitment. Not all practices in the PCT engaged with the study, and the most common reasons given by GPs and their staff for non-participation was being single handed or already having a heavy work-load. All community nurses spoken to agreed to refer patients to the study but only five referrals were made by this group over the course of the study. The main reasons primary care professionals did agree to participate and continue to refer patients was that they felt the trial was offering a local and relevant ser- vice to an under-served patient group.The very simple referral process was also an import- ant factor. In addition, the Trial Nurse was perceived to be responsive, responding quickly to referrals made and providing regular and detailed feedback which was perceived to help and support the health professionals in the future management of the patient. Key words: recruitment to trials; referral process; trials; under-served groups Received: March 2006; accepted: March 2007 Address for correspondence: Dr Carolyn A. Chew-Graham, School of Community Based Medicine, Rusholme Health Centre, Walmer Street, Manchester M14 5NP, UK. Email: cchew@manchester.ac.uk * PRIDE trial (PRimary care Intervention in Depression in the Elderly) funded by Department of Health. ISRCTN630361331 EudraCT number 2005-003653-27 These views are not necessarily those of the funders. https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S146342360700031X Downloaded from https://www.cambridge.org/core. IP address: 18.206.13.133, on 20 May 2020 at 02:19:30, subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at