Recruiting and Retaining Individuals with Serious Mental Illness and Diabetes in Clinical Research: Lessons Learned from a Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Authors

Stephanie W. Kanuch M.Ed., The MetroHealth SystemFollow
Kristin A. Cassidy MA, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical CenterFollow
Neal Dawson MD, Center for Health Care Research and Policy. Case Western Reserve University, MetroHealth Medical CenterFollow
Melanie Athey MS, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Case Medical CenterFollow
Edna Fuentes-Casiano MSSW, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical CenterFollow
Martha Sajatovic MD, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Neurological Institute, University Hospitals Case Medical CenterFollow

Keywords

Mental illness; schizophrenia; bipolar disorder; depression; diabetes mellitus; recruitment; study retention

Disciplines

Health Services Research | Primary Care | Psychiatry

Abstract

Abstract: Recruitment and retention of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and comorbid diabetes mellitus (DM) in research studies can be challenging with major impediments being difficulties reaching participants via telephone contact, logistic difficulties due to lack of transportation, ongoing psychiatric symptoms, and significant medical complications. Research staff directly involved in recruitment and retention processes of this study reviewed their experiences. The largest barriers at the macro, mediator, and micro levels identified in this study were inclement weather, transportation difficulties, and intermittent and inaccessible telephone contact. Barrier work-around practices included using the health system’s EHR to obtain current phone numbers, providing transportation assistance (bus passes or parking reimbursement), and flexible scheduling of appointments. Suggestions are intended to assist in planning for recruitment and retention strategies.

Recommended Citation

Kanuch, Stephanie W. M.Ed.; Cassidy, Kristin A. MA; Dawson, Neal MD; Athey, Melanie MS; Fuentes-Casiano, Edna MSSW; and Sajatovic, Martha MD (2016) "Recruiting and Retaining Individuals with Serious Mental Illness and Diabetes in Clinical Research: Lessons Learned from a Randomized, Controlled Trial.," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 9: Iss. 3, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol9/iss3/8