User-focused research to identify the benefits of digital tools for the recruitment and retention in trials: a qualitative study

Introduction: digital tools are increasingly being used to identify, recruit and retain participants. While these tools are being used, there is a lack of quality evidence to determine their value in trial recruitment and retention. Given the lack of certainty around the evidence-base, there is a need to improve and sustain the evidence related to the use of digital tools.Methods: the aim of the main study was to identify the benefits and characteristics of innovative digital recruitment and retention tools for more efficient conduct of Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs). The qualitative study was conducted to identify the benefits of innovative digital recruitment and retention tools for more efficient conduct of RCTs from the perspective of five stakeholder groups (including research participants). A purposive sampling strategy was used to identify 16 participants from the five stakeholder groups. A theoretical framework was developed from results of a UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) registered Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) survey. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using an inductive approach. A content and thematic analysis was used to explore stakeholder’s viewpoint and the value of digital tools.Results: content analysis revealed that ‘barriers/challenges‘ and ‘awareness of evidence’ were the most common areas across all stakeholders. The five themes were security and transparency, inclusivity and engagement, human interaction, obstacles and risks, and potential benefits. Three emergent themes were present across all groups: ‘security and transparency’, ‘inclusivity’, and ‘human interaction’. Interesting similarities and differences were also noted between practitioner and participant groups.Discussion: the qualitative study outcomes show that there is a common use of digital technology for the recruitment and retention of participants in trials. Developing the evidence base in this area will be important for future research and raises important questions around the potential value for participant involvement in trial