Main Findings
The study compared two types of Participant Information Leaflets (PILs): one long and detailed and one short and simple. The goal was to see if a shorter PIL would help more people join a clinical trial.
What Worked?
- A shorter PIL was just as effective as a longer one for recruiting participants. More people showed interest in the trial with the shorter version.
- The recruitment rate was slightly higher for the short PIL (17.84%) compared to the long one (15.86%), but the difference wasn’t big enough to be considered significant.
What Didn’t Work?
- There was no noticeable difference in the retention rates, meaning people stayed in the trial just as well regardless of the PIL length.
Implications for Patients and Clinics
- Patients may feel less overwhelmed by a shorter PIL, making it easier for them to decide to participate in trials.
- Clinics can choose to use shorter PILs without worrying about losing participants due to lack of information.
Real-World Opportunities
- Hospitals and doctors can adopt shorter PILs to improve trial participation.
- Consider providing links to more detailed information if needed, rather than overwhelming potential participants with a lot of text.
Measurable Outcomes
- Track the number of participants recruited with short vs. long PILs.
- Monitor retention rates in trials using both types of PILs.
AI Tools
- AI can help create personalized PILs that adjust the information based on patient preferences or needs.
- Chatbots can answer questions about the trial, providing participants with quick information.
Step-by-Step Plan for Clinics
- Start by testing shorter PILs in a small trial.
- Gather feedback from participants about their experience with the PIL.
- Compare recruitment and retention rates with previous trials that used longer PILs.
- If successful, gradually implement shorter PILs in other trials.
- Consider integrating AI tools to enhance communication and engagement with potential participants.
For more details about the research, you can read the full study here.
