Clinical Research Network (CRN) update #9: meeting recruitment goals in clinical research--lessons learned (Part Four).

This month's article focuses on the unique recruitment and retention strategies developed by the fourth project of the Clinical Research Network--Muscle-Specific Strengthening Effectiveness Post Lumbar Microdiscectomy (MUSSEL). This project is evaluating the ability of muscle-specific strengthening to improve muscle performance, function, and quality of life as well as to reduce debilitating pain in patients after a lumbar microdiscectomy. The target recruitment goal of 100 was narrowly missed with 98 participants.

Unique recruitment and retention steps taken were:

Creating a Large Referral System

Within the first year of the study, the original list of surgeons who were informed about the study was expanded from 1 university department (1-3 surgeons) to 3 departments and several community-based hospitals, for a total of 27 surgeons. Fifty-four orthopedic physical therapists who practiced in 23 clinics and who were recipients of the intervention training also were included in the referral network to reach possible study participants.

Making Same-Day Phone Contact

An efficient call system, designed to respond to interested patient phone inquiries, was implemented. The project coordinator responded to all calls the same day they were received.

Hiring a Study Recruiter

Early in the study, a half-time study recruiter, a physical therapist known to the health care community, was hired. The recruiter made weekly personal visits to the surgeons' patient care offices to continue informing the staff about MUSSEL. The study recruiter also educated the staff about the immediate and long-term benefits of clinical trial research to encourage referrals.

All of this hard work resulted in the creation of an efficient communication network for recruitment. This network can now be used to expedite enrollment for new studies.

Combined Section Meeting Events

Plan to join your colleagues and bring your friends to 2 fun-filled events at the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in Boston, February 14-18, 2007, that will benefit the Foundation for Physical Therapy.

The Sports Physical Therapy Section will host the American Spirit Gala from 8 PM to midnight on Thursday, February 15, at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. Bring your Stars and Stripes, USA-themed regalia, and your dancing shoes. The gala will feature live music by Boston's own Shine Band, raffles, "All-American" contests and games, and the ever-popular silent auction.

Start your morning early on Friday, February 16, with some delicious coffee at the Starbucks Coffee Tasting Open House, sponsored by the Home Health Section. Stop by the Boston Marriott Copley Place from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM to taste continental brews and learn their differences from a Starbucks coffee master. Meet Foundation-funded researchers who will be on hand to discuss their projects and describe how Foundation support advanced their work. Stay to chat with friends and colleagues, or grab a mug to go.

Tickets are $20 each ($10 for students) to each event and may be purchased through the CSM online registration or by calling APTA's Service Center at 800/999-2782, ext 3395. Tickets also will be available during CSM at each section's table or at the door of the event.

Use Your IRA to Support Research

In August, President Bush signed new tax changes into law allowing anyone age 70 1/2 years of age or older to use funds from an individual retirement account (IRA) to make donations to charities, such as the Foundation for Physical Therapy, without undesirable tax consequences.

Qualifying gifts made under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 must be $100,000 or less each year, made on or before December 31, 2007, and transferred directly from an IRA or Rollover IRA to a public charity.

The law is designed to encourage charitable giving and allow donors to make a lifetime gift without having to report the funds taken from the IRA as taxable income. Donors may take a charitable deduction for the gift, but only up to 50% of adjusted gross income. More information is available on the "Planned Giving" section of the Foundation's Web site.

To contribute to the Foundation from your IRA, contact Christine Williams, Chief Operating Officer, at 800/999-2782, ext 3178, or e-mail [e-mail].