Recruiting ahead of target: What worked in the REEACT trial?

Publication Summary

on average, and had a higher probability of having had a previous episode of depression. The proportion of participants entering the trial via each method was consistent with the overall recruitment figures across all sites except York, where the contribution from DS was slightly higher. The proportion of participants entering the trial through each referral method remained consistent from about a year before the end of recruitment. A higher proportion of DRs assessed for inclusion converted into participants and a lower proportion were ineligible as compared to those identified via DS. Conclusions The pragmatic design of the REEACT trial resulted in target recruitment ahead of schedule. A detailed examination of the recruitment trend suggests that DR was a more effective method of recruitment, although the use of DS has been a favoured tool in primary care trials. The findings from the REEACT suggest that DRs may be a better strategy when recruiting patients with depression in the primary care setting.