RECRUITMENT FOR RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH HYPERTENSION

Abstract

An effective recruitment strategy is vital for the success of randomized controlled trials (RTCs). However, approximately 80% of RCTs did not achieve their initial enrollment target and timeline due to study recruitment being poor-quality and ineffective, or based on RCTs that are rather hypothetical than real-world. Few clinical trials recruit older adults who are 65 years of age or older, resulting in older people being systematically excluded from much clinical research and being underrepresented in RCTs in nearly all areas of medicine. There are many factors contributing to this underrepresentation in research: ageism, benevolent prejudice, and preference for "fit" over "frail" older adults. Different recruitment approaches, namely online, virtual, and in-person, are discussed regarding advantages and disadvantages to observe how these approaches were utilized before and after the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hypertension becomes particularly common after the age of 65, affecting more than 60% of people in developed countries. With the increased prevalence rate of hypertension in older adults, the goal of this thesis was to review the literature to assess and identify effective strategies to assist in recruiting older adults with hypertension for the MEDSReM© (Medication Education, Decision Support, Reminding and, Monitoring) system RCT. The MEDSReM RCT is testing technology interventions to improve hypertension medication adherence for older people.