title: Lessons learnt recruiting to a multi-site UK cohort study to explore recovery of health and well-being after colorectal cancer (CREW study).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The UK leads the world in recruitment of patients to cancer clinical trials, with a six-fold increase in recruitment during 2001-2010. However, there are large variations across cancer centres. This paper details recruitment to a large multi-centre prospective cohort study and discusses lessons learnt to enhance recruitment.
  
  
  METHODS
  During CREW (ColoREctal Wellbeing) cohort study set up and recruitment, data were systematically collected on all centres that applied to participate, time from study approval to first participant recruited and the percentage of eligible patients recruited into the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  30 participating NHS cancer centres were selected through an open competition via the cancer networks. Time from study approval to first participant recruited took a median 124 days (min 53, max 290). Of 1350 eligible people in the study time frame, 78% (n = 1056) were recruited into the study, varying from 30-100% eligible across centres. Recruitment of 1056 participants took 17 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In partnership with the National Cancer Research Network, this successful study prioritised relationship building and education. Key points for effective recruitment: pre-screening and selection of centres; nurses as PIs; attendance at study days; frequent communication and a reduced level of consent to enhance uptake amongst underrepresented groups.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fenlon
authors.forename: Kim Chivers
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Seymour
authors.forename: Ikumi
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Okamoto
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Winter
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Addington-Hall
authors.forename: Jessica L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Corner
authors.forename: Peter W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Christine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: May
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Breckons
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK. C.L.Foster@soton.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Foster
mesh_terms: D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D003289:Convalescence; D006801:Humans; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D018579:Patient Selection; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D018401:Sample Size; D006113:United Kingdom