Engaging participants in a complex intervention trial in Australian General Practice.
BACKGROUND
The paper examines the key issues experienced in recruiting and retaining practice involvement in a large complex intervention trial in Australian General Practice.


METHODS
Reflective notes made by research staff and telephone interviews with staff from general practices which expressed interest, took part or withdrew from a trial of a complex general practice intervention.


RESULTS
Recruitment and retention difficulties were due to factors inherent in the demands and context of general practice, the degree of engagement of primary care organisations (Divisions of General Practice), perceived benefits by practices, the design of the trial and the timing and complexity of data collection.


CONCLUSIONS
There needs to be clearer articulation to practices of the benefits of the research to participants and streamlining of the design and processes of data collection and intervention to fit in with their work practices. Ultimately deeper engagement may require additional funding and ongoing participation through practice research networks.


BACKGROUND
Current Controlled Trials ACTRN12605000788673.
Perkins
David
D
Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia. dperkins@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Harris
Mark F
MF
Tan
Jocelyn
J
Christl
Bettina
B
Taggart
Jane
J
Fanaian
Mahnaz
M
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D005194:Family Practice; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010560:Personnel Selection; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D000078329:Workforce