Recruitment and Retention of Older Cancer Patients in a Study
Author Information
Author(s): Martine TE Puts, Johanne Monette, Veronique Girre, Christina Wolfson, Michele Monette, Gerald Batist, Howard Bergman
Primary Institution: Université de Montréal/McGill University
Hypothesis
Can older newly-diagnosed cancer patients be effectively recruited and retained in an observational study prior to treatment?
Conclusion
It was feasible to recruit newly-diagnosed cancer patients prior to treatment, and the retention rate was high despite the challenges.
Supporting Evidence
- 156 eligible patients were identified from 3060 screened medical charts.
- 72% response rate was achieved with 112 participants.
- 81.3% retention rate was observed over the six-month follow-up.
Takeaway
The study found that older cancer patients can be recruited for research before their treatment starts, and most of them stayed in the study.
Methodology
Patients aged 65 and over with newly diagnosed cancer were recruited through medical chart screening and followed for six months with interviews.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small number of patients who refused participation and the specific setting of the study.
Limitations
The study was conducted at a single cancer center, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 65 and over, with a mean age of 73.7 years, including both males and females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006
Statistical Significance
p = 0.006
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website