2024 starts with a bang!

Participant recruitment is much like putting on a show - you have to market the study to the right people, entice them to take part - whilst not being too specific due to client confidentiality, send out invites, guide them through the screening process, schedule them in, and then apply a right amount of gentle reminders to ensure they show up for the study on time and at the right place! So when faced with a large scale study targeting busy medical practitioners during the mid-January flu season, as well as facing with a turnaround time of just a few weeks, well let's just say this is what we excel at!
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Unpredicted challenges

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The study was to get doctors, nurses and pharmacists to provide their feedback on a new drug mixer device. One of the unexpected challenges arose from pharmacists who on the whole, had never participated in a device evaluation study. Unlike their counterparts in the medical field, pharmacists were less familiar with such research initiatives, requiring additional effort to educate and motivate them to join the study. This unfamiliarity posed a unique recruitment challenge that needed a tailored approach to address.

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One aspect that we are proud of is our established and diverse selection of participants and their willingness to direct colleagues and friends to the study. If someone wasn't available to take part then they kindly referred a colleague, which is how we managed to meet quota and found the right people to take part.

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Yet despite all this, the project also yielded several positive outcomes. We successfully recruited professionals who met the stringent criteria outlined by the study quota, proving that persistence and targeted outreach really do matter. We met the client's expectations (and adhered to the tight schedule showcased the resilience of our team in navigating unforeseen obstacles). Fully recruited with a happy end client ensured project success.

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Embracing healthcare product advancements

Moreover, participant satisfaction emerged as a notable positive aspect of the study. Despite the demanding nature of their professions, all recruited healthcare professionals expressed genuine interest and were content to contribute to the study. Their willingness to engage in the evaluation process not only ensured the success of the research but also reflected the enthusiasm within the medical community to embrace advancements that can potentially enhance patient care.

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In conclusion, our study evaluating a drug mixer device among healthcare professionals was not without its challenges, but it proved to be another valuable learning experience. The recruitment process taught us the importance of allowing time for participant identification and screening, especially when dealing with a diverse group of professionals in a time-sensitive industry. The positives, including meeting recruitment criteria, client expectations, and participant satisfaction, underscore the resilience and dedication of our team in navigating the intricate landscape of healthcare research. As we move forward, these lessons will undoubtedly shape our approach to future studies, ensuring smoother processes and more meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving field of healthcare innovation.

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