The challenge of recruiting people with schizophrenia to a health promotion trial.
People with schizophrenia have an increased risk of coronary heart disease. This pilot study tested the feasibility of carrying out a randomised controlled trial to compare coronary heart disease prevention for this population through an enhanced occupational therapy support intervention versus a practice-based intervention. Difficulty in deciding whether to take part meant that 123 visits were made to 25 people with 12 ultimately providing informed consent. Participants' discussion at a subsequent focus group (n = 3) suggested a poor understanding of the study process. Distrust of randomisation suggests that randomised controlled trials may not be the best way to evaluate community-based interventions for people with schizophrenia.
Abbott
Margaret
M
GP Principal, Windmill Practice, Sneinton, Nottingham. margaret.abbott@gp-c84683.nhs.uk
Arthur
Antony
A
Walker
Liz
L
Doody
Gillian
G
D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D017144:Focus Groups; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications*