Better communication is key to recruiting patients to trials

Recruiting enough patients to participate in a trial is one of the biggest challenges in clinical research, and typically just 40% of those approached agree to take part. Effective communication techniques may be the answer, investigators suggested at last week's annual conference of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).

The prostate testing for cancer and treatment (PROTECT) trial, which is comparing surgery, radiotherapy, and monitoring for prostate cancer treatments, is one example of successful recruitment on a large scale. “When we started the study there was a lot of concern that this was a trial that couldn't be done,” said Professor Jenny …