Delivering clinical trials and observational studies in child eye health: a nationwide survey in the United Kingdom.

Purpose: Evidence-based medicine requires primary results from randomized controlled trials and high-quality observational studies; however, in pediatric medicine it can be difficult to enroll sufficient numbers of children to reach sample sizes required for statistical significance. The experience of clinicians and researchers with the practicalities of recruitment has not been explored, but could potentially inform best practice and lead to the development of successful research networks. Perceived barriers and facilitators to recruitment in child eye health in the United Kingdom, where adoption of trials and studies onto a central database has created a register of high quality projects, were investigated.

Methods: Studies and trials in child eye health from the United Kingdom Clinical Research Network portfolio database were identified and the named researchers contacted. Based on a validated tool, an electronic survey was created to ask about recruitment experience to identify facilitators and barriers.

Results: There were 46 trials and studies recruiting children, and 51 completed questionnaires from researchers were received. Children's eye research activity is mainly based at tertiary referral centers. Although most studies recruit to target, many researchers report difficulties. Availability of dedicated research teams in clinics and good communication between research team, clinical team, and families are strong facilitators. Administrative difficulties and the burden of research to clinical teams and families are strong barriers.

Conclusions: Support for investigators in the form of dedicated research and administrative staff and good communication enhance recruitment to studies in child eye health.