BSN Student Recruiters Significantly Increase Clinical Trial Enrollment in an Outpatient Setting 89 68

Abstract

Background: Insufficient enrollment is a primary determinant of premature clinical trial closure. Nursing students enrolled in research-focused honors programs may be uniquely suited to address recruitment barriers.

Aims: Explore the effects of BSN Honors student’s face-to-face recruitment on clinical trial enrollment in an oncology clinic setting.

Methods: One-group pre/post design examined the efficacy face-to-face recruitment on enrollment in a nutrition-focused oncology clinical trial. Descriptive statistics summarized sample characteristics and t-tests/Man-Whitney U compared between-group differences. Enrollment percent change was calculated to determine intervention effectiveness.

Results: No between group differences were observed between individuals who enrolled versus those who declined. In-person BSN nursing student recruitment resulted in a 77% increase across six weeks. 

Conclusions Nursing honors student recruitment was effective and well received by patients and clinical staff. Leveraging research application opportunities and undergraduate student nurse skill sets may provide a cost-effective strategy to reduce recruitment barriers and increase clinical trial target enrollment feasibility.