Online Patient Recruitment in Clinical Trials: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Recruitment for clinical trials continues to be a challenge, as patient recruitment is the single biggest cause of trial delays. Around 80% of trials fail to meet the initial enrollment target and timeline, and these delays can result in lost revenue of as much as US $8 million per day for drug developing companies. Objective This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effectiveness of online recruitment of participants for clinical trials compared with traditional in-clinic/offline recruitment methods. Methods Data on recruitment rates (the average number of patients enrolled in the study per month and per day of active recruitment) and conversion rates (the percentage of participants screened who proceed to enroll into the clinical trial), as well as study characteristics and patient demographics were collected from the included studies. Differences in online and offline recruitment rates and conversion rates were examined using random effects models. Further, a nonparametric paired Wilcoxon test was used for additional analysis on the cost-effectiveness of online patient recruitment. All data analyses were conducted in R language, and P<.05 was considered significant. Results In total, 3861 articles were screened for inclusion. Of these, 61 studies were included in the review, and 23 of these were further included in the meta-analysis. We found online recruitment to be significantly more effective with respect to the recruitment rate for active days of recruitment, where 100% (7/7) of the studies included had a better online recruitment rate compared with offline recruitment (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 4.17, P=.04). When examining the entire recruitment period in months we found that 52% (12/23) of the studies had a better online recruitment rate compared with the offline recruitment rate (IRR 1.11, P=.71). For cost-effectiveness, we found that online recruitment had a significantly lower cost per enrollee compared with offline recruitment (US $72 vs US $199, P=.04). Finally, we found that 69% (9/13) of studies had significantly better offline conversion rates compared with online conversion rates (risk ratio 0.8, P=.02). Conclusions Targeting potential participants using online remedies is an effective approach for patient recruitment for clinical research. Online recruitment was both superior in regard to time efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared with offline recruitment. In contrast, offline recruitment outperformed online recruitment with respect to conversion rate.

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Online Patient Recruitment in Clinical Trials: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.22179 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mette Brøgger-Mikkelsen ◽

Zarqa Ali ◽

John R Zibert ◽

Anders Daniel Andersen ◽

Simon Francis Thomsen

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Recruitment Rate ◽

Wilcoxon Test ◽

Patient Recruitment ◽

Conversion Rates ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Online Recruitment

BACKGROUND Recruitment for clinical trials continues to be a challenge, as patient recruitment is the single biggest cause of trial delays. Around 80% of trials fail to meet the initial enrollment target and timeline, and these delays can result in lost revenue of as much as US $8 million per day for drug developing companies. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effectiveness of online recruitment of participants for clinical trials compared with traditional in-clinic/offline recruitment methods. METHODS Data on recruitment rates (the average number of patients enrolled in the study per month and per day of active recruitment) and conversion rates (the percentage of participants screened who proceed to enroll into the clinical trial), as well as study characteristics and patient demographics were collected from the included studies. Differences in online and offline recruitment rates and conversion rates were examined using random effects models. Further, a nonparametric paired Wilcoxon test was used for additional analysis on the cost-effectiveness of online patient recruitment. All data analyses were conducted in R language, and P<.05 was considered significant. RESULTS In total, 3861 articles were screened for inclusion. Of these, 61 studies were included in the review, and 23 of these were further included in the meta-analysis. We found online recruitment to be significantly more effective with respect to the recruitment rate for active days of recruitment, where 100% (7/7) of the studies included had a better online recruitment rate compared with offline recruitment (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 4.17, P=.04). When examining the entire recruitment period in months we found that 52% (12/23) of the studies had a better online recruitment rate compared with the offline recruitment rate (IRR 1.11, P=.71). For cost-effectiveness, we found that online recruitment had a significantly lower cost per enrollee compared with offline recruitment (US $72 vs US $199, P=.04). Finally, we found that 69% (9/13) of studies had significantly better offline conversion rates compared with online conversion rates (risk ratio 0.8, P=.02). CONCLUSIONS Targeting potential participants using online remedies is an effective approach for patient recruitment for clinical research. Online recruitment was both superior in regard to time efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared with offline recruitment. In contrast, offline recruitment outperformed online recruitment with respect to conversion rate.

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Surveillance in inflammatory bowel disease: is chromoendoscopy the only way to go? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Endoscopy International Open ◽

10.1055/a-1120-8376 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 08 (05) ◽

pp. E578-E590

Author(s):

Ricardo Hannum Resende ◽

Igor Braga Ribeiro ◽

Diogo Turiani Hourneaux de Moura ◽

Facundo Galetti ◽

Rodrigo Silva de Paula Rocha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Narrow Band ◽

Narrow Band Imaging ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Procedure Time ◽

High Definition ◽

Number Of Patients

Abstract Background and study aims Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) have higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Guidelines recommend dysplasia surveillance with dye-spraying chromoendoscopy (DCE). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to review all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) available and compare the efficacy of different endoscopic methods of surveillance for dysplasia in patients with UC and CD. Methods Databases searched were Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane and SCIELO/LILACS. It was estimated the risk difference (RD) for dichotomous outcomes (number of patients diagnosed with one or more dysplastic lesions, total number of dysplastic lesions diagnosed and number of dysplastic lesions detected by targeted biopsies) and mean difference for continuous outcomes (procedure time). Results This study included 17 RCTs totaling 2,457 patients. There was superiority of DCE when compared to standard-definiton white light endoscopy (SD-WLE). When compared with high-definition (HD) WLE, no difference was observed in all outcomes (number of patients with dysplasia (RD 0.06; 95 % CI [–0.01, 0.13])). Comparing other techniques, no difference was observed between DCE and virtual chromoendoscopy (VCE – including narrow-band imaging [NBI], i-SCAN and flexible spectral imaging color enhancement), in all outcomes except procedure time (mean difference, 6.33 min; 95 % CI, 1.29, 11.33). DCE required a significantly longer procedure time compared with WLE (mean difference, 7.81 min; 95 % CI, 2.76, 12.86). Conclusions We found that dye-spraying chromoendoscopy detected more patients and dysplastic lesions than SD-WLE. Although no difference was observed between DCE and HD-WLE or narrow-band imaging, the main outcomes favored numerically dye-spraying chromoendoscopy, except procedure time. Regarding i-SCAN, FICE and auto-fluorescence imaging, there is still not enough evidence to support or not their recommendation.

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Short-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Biologics and Small Molecule Drugs for Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Life ◽

10.3390/life11090927 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 927

Author(s):

José-Juan Pereyra-Rodriguez ◽

Sara Alcantara-Luna ◽

Javier Domínguez-Cruz ◽

Manuel Galán-Gutiérrez ◽

Ricardo Ruiz-Villaverde ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Small Molecules ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Severe Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Number Of Patients

Background: Some Network Meta-analysis (NMA) has been published regarding atopic dermatitis (AD). These studies have considered drugs under investigation both in monotheraphy or in combination with topical corticosteroids, as well as systemic immunosuppressant therapies. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biological agents and small molecules in AD. Methods: A systematic review and NMA of biologics agents and small molecules in AD was performed. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for clinical trials and systematic reviews between January 2000 and 19 December 2020. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included. It was limited to English language and adult human subjects. Two networks were evaluated: monotherapy and combination with TCS. The two primary outcomes were Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) 75 and EASI 90 change from baseline to week 12–16, depending on source study cut-off. The Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool 2011 update was used to analyze the risk of bias, focused on the primary objectives. Results: 30 RCTs (included in 26 publications) were included in the systematic review. Finally, 23 RCTs were included in the quantitative analysis (14 RCTs including 3582 patients in monotherapy; and 9 RCTs including 3686 patients with TCS). In monotherapy, a higher percentage of patients achieving EASI-75 was obtained with Upadacitinib 30 mg [OR: 18.90 (13.94; 25.62)] followed by Abrocitinib 200 mg [OR = 11.26 (7.02; 18.05)] and Upadacitinib 15 mg [OR: 10.89 (8.13; 14.59)]. These results were also observed in studies where the use of topical corticosteroid (TCS) was allowed (OR Upadacitinib 30 mg = 9.43; OR Abrocitinib 200 mg = 6.12; OR Upadacitinib 15 mg = 5.20). Regarding IGA, the percentage of patients achieving IGA0/1 was higher with both doses of Upadacitinib 30 mg [OR: 19.13 (13.14; 27.85)] and 15 mg [OR = 10.95 (7.52; 15.94). In studies where the use of TCS were allowed, however, the dose of Abrocitinib 200 mg [OR = 6.10 (3.94; 9.44)] showed higher efficacy than Upadacitinib 15 mg [OR = 5.47 (3.57; 8.41)]. Regarding safety, the drugs with the highest probability of presenting adverse effects were the Janus kinases (JAK) inhibitors, Upadacitinib and Abrocitinib in monotherapy and Baricitinib in combination with TCS. Discussion: Some risks of bias have been found, which must be taken into account when interpreting the results. The funnel plot shows a possible publication bias that may underestimate the efficacy of drugs. Upadacitinib and Abrocitinib are the drugs with the highest efficacy, both in monotherapy and in association with TCS. However, they were also those associated with the highest risk of adverse effects, showing monoclonal antibodies better safety profile. Limitations: We have included molecules still in the development phase as well studies completed and presented at conferences and with data available in Trialsgov® but not published yet. Several molecules’ development had included a small number of patients from 12 to 17 years of age, without being able to differentiate the results from the adult population. Other: Founding: None. PROSPERO database registration number CRD42021225793.

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Regulatory delays in a multinational clinical stroke trial

European Stroke Journal ◽

10.1177/23969873211004845 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 239698732110048

Author(s):

Jeroen C de Jonge ◽

Hendrik Reinink ◽

Bridget Colam ◽

Iris Alpers ◽

Alfonso Ciccone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Regulatory Authority ◽

Recruitment Rate ◽

Phase Iii ◽

Randomised Clinical Trials ◽

Patient Recruitment ◽

Trial Site ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Clinical Stroke Trial

Introduction The initiation and conduct of randomised clinical trials are complicated by multiple barriers, including delays in obtaining regulatory approvals. Quantitative data on the extent of the delays due to national or local review in randomised clinical trials is scarce. Materials and methods We assessed the times needed to obtain regulatory approval and to initiate a trial site for an academic, EU-funded, phase III, randomised clinical trial of pharmacological prevention of complications in patients with acute stroke in over 80 sites in nine European countries. The primary outcome was the time from the first submission to a regulatory authority to initiation of a trial site. Secondary outcomes included time needed to complete each individual preparatory requirement and the number of patients recruited by each site in the first 6 and 12 months. Results The median time from the first submission to a regulatory authority to initiation of a trial site was 784 days (IQR: 586–1102). The single most time-consuming step was the conclusion of a clinical trial agreement between the national coordinator and the trial site, which took a median of 194 days (IQR: 93–293). A longer time to site initiation was associated with a lower patient recruitment rate in the first six months after initiation (B = –0.002; p = 0.02). Discussion Conclusion In this EU-funded clinical trial, approximately 26 months were needed to initiate a trial site for patient recruitment. The conclusion of a contract with a trial site was the most time-consuming activity. To simplify and speed up the process, we suggest that the level of detail of contracts for academic trials should be proportional to the risks and commercial interests of these trials.

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P439 Patient’ recruitment for a Phase 3 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) programme is significantly increased when accessing the CT-SCOUT™ platform

Journal of Crohn s and Colitis ◽

10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjz203.568 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S397-S398

Author(s):

Y Bouhnik ◽

X Roblin ◽

R Mrad ◽

X Hebuterne ◽

D Laharie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Recruitment Rate ◽

Patient Recruitment ◽

Potential Candidate ◽

Open Label ◽

Phase 3 ◽

Web Based ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

The Mean ◽

Post Hoc

Abstract Background The main issue when validating new molecules in the field of IBD is insufficient patient recruitment into clinical trials, resulting in a considerable delay and cost increase. The selection of the best recruiting sites is a long and difficult process, especially since study sponsor has no visibility on the activity of the sites, and the sites have no penalties if the objectives are not achieved. The CT-SCOUT™ platform is a web-based solution to help clinicians to pre-screen potential candidate, facilitating the coordination of the research team and providing sponsor and principal investigator visibility into patient recruitment efforts and status on the site. We aimed to compare the recruitment rate in sites using the application according to Premium or Freemium modalities and in sites not equipped with CT-SCOUT™ for IBD clinical trials. Methods We conducted a prospective, multicentre, open-label, observational and comparative study in 25 sites participating in a selected phase 3 IBD clinical trials in France. All sites were proposed to be equipped with CT-SCOUT™, and the recruitment rate was compared according to 3 modalities: a) the Premium mode, giving access to all the functionalities of the application (including specific inclusion/exclusion criteria, possibility of sending notification to the team) in counterpart of which they undertook to use the application; b) the Freemium mode, a basic functionality that only gives the name of the study in the first selection phase; c) sites who were not interested to be equipped. The primary endpoint was the mean number of patients randomised per site per month. Patients screened and those finally randomised were compared in sites equipped (Premium or Freemium) and non-equipped using one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Tukey test. Results During the recruitment period from 4 to 36 months (mean 24.8 months), 221 and 130 patients were screened and randomised, respectively. The mean number of patients screened and randomised per site per month according to CT-SCOUT™ equipment is reported in the figure below. Conclusion This study shows that sites not equipped with CT-SCOUT™ recruit only a few patients. Among the equipped sites, those with Premium access have a significantly higher randomisation rate than those with limited functionality. Sites equipped with digital pre-screening support to facilitate patient recruitment and provide the sponsor visibility are the best candidates for trials.

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