Understanding the Trial Results
This research looked at how to better reach Black adults in Boston for cardiovascular disease clinical trials. The goal was to find out when these individuals prefer to receive calls about participating in studies. Here’s what we learned:
What Worked?
- Calling participants during their preferred times made it easier to reach them and complete interviews.
- 25% of participants preferred calls before noon, and 22% preferred calls after 4 PM.
- When calls were made during these preferred times, the chances of completing a prescreening interview increased significantly.
What Didn’t Work?
- Only 10% of those who preferred calls after 4 PM were actually called at that time.
- Waiting 8-12 weeks to call after someone expressed interest lowered the chances of completing an interview.
- Participants who inquired by mail were less likely to be reached outside of work hours.
How This Helps Patients and Clinics
These findings can help clinics and hospitals improve their outreach to Black adults, making it easier for them to participate in important health studies. This can lead to better health outcomes and more inclusive research.
Real-World Opportunities
- Hospitals can adjust their calling schedules to match the preferred times of potential participants.
- Clinics can create outreach programs that focus on community events to engage more participants.
Measurable Outcomes to Track
- Number of participants reached during their preferred callback times.
- Completion rates of prescreening interviews.
- Time taken from inquiry to first contact.
AI Tools to Consider
Clinics can use AI tools to analyze data on participant preferences and optimize calling schedules. These tools can help identify the best times to call based on past success rates.
Step-by-Step Plan for Clinics
- Start Small: Begin by adjusting call times to match the preferences of a small group of participants.
- Gather Data: Track the results to see if this change improves reach and interview completion rates.
- Expand Outreach: If successful, gradually implement these changes across more studies and participant groups.
- Engage the Community: Host community events to raise awareness and recruit participants directly.
For more information about this research, you can read the full study here.
