Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #104188

Maria A. Hondras, DC, MPH, Judith Polipnick, DC, PhD, Lori Byrd, and Bill Meeker, DC, MPH. Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, 741 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803, 563-884-5198, lori.byrd@palmer.edu

In late 2003, the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research received federal funding for two clinical trials that will enroll 450 patients with sub-acute or chronic low back pain. One trial seeks participants ages 21 to 55; the other trial 55 years and older. An eight week pilot study began in May 2004. One of the objectives of the pilot study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a media-based recruitment strategy for different target populations. Six weeks of newspaper and radio ads yielded 135 phone screens; 29 (22%) patients were enrolled in the pilot. For planning purposes, we believed we could improve enrollment by adding a community-based strategy that included input from community stakeholders, particularly for minority and senior inclusion in our trials. Both trials were launched in July 2004. The first six months of media-based efforts yielded 720 phone screens, with only 87 (12%) patients enrolled in the trials. To improve enrollment we have implemented a multi-faceted approach that includes adding direct mail to our media-based efforts and preparing for community-based education and outreach. Focus groups comprised of African-American/Black and Hispanic/Latino community leaders were conducted in December 2004. Results from the focus groups will help guide the development and implementation of a community-based strategy based on a partnership model. Accrual rates and community-based experiences for the first nine months of 2005 will be reported and compared to our initial efforts.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

(
• Recognize recruitment challenges for a chiropractic research center that is not a teaching clinic and does not have an established patient base; and, (
• Appreciate the importance of community-based efforts when recruiting participants for clinical trials.

Keywords: Clinical Trials, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation