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Although the problem of inadequate recruitment to randomised trials is real, little evidence exists to guide
researchers on decisions about how people are effectively recruited to take part in trials.
Researchers involved in the PRioRiTy study aimed to identify and prioritise important unanswered trial recruitment questions for research. The PRioRiTy study - Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) - included members of the public; participants on randomised trial steering committees, health professionals and research staff with experience of recruiting to randomised trials. People who have designed, conducted, analysed or reported on randomised trials and people with experience of randomised trials methodology were also included.
Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) was aided by the James Lind Alliance and involved eight stages:
(i) identifying a unique, relevant prioritisation area within trial methodology
(ii) establishing a steering group
(iii) identifying and engaging with partners and stakeholders
(iv) formulating an initial list of uncertainties
(v) collating the uncertainties into research questions
(vi) confirming that the questions for research are a current recruitment challenge
(vii) shortlisting questions
(viii) final prioritisation through a face-to-face workshop
Researchers concluded that a collective focus on normalising trials as part of clinical care, enhancing communication, addressing barriers, enablers and motivators around participation and exploring greater public involvement in the research process.