Acceptability and feasibility of a need-supportive intervention to increase trial retention: a randomised feasibility study within a randomised controlled allergy trial in Denmark.

introductionGiven that low retention rates are a prevalent challenge in clinical trials, which ultimately affects trial validity, it is recommended that interventions be developed and evaluated to increase trial retention. In the context of trial retention, incorporating behavioural science is endorsed, as it provides a theoretical foundation for considering human behaviour. We hypothesised that an intervention informed by self-determination theory could increase retention in a randomised allergy trial on intralymphatic immunotherapy, as the support of basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness is anticipated to lead to more sustained engagement and better outcomes.

objectiveTo assess the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention and evaluation design, following the complex intervention framework by the Medical Research Council, before proceeding to a randomised evaluation.

designA parallel two-arm randomised feasibility study was conducted within the randomised allergy trial.

participantsAll participants at one Danish site were eligible for recruitment.

interventionThe intervention was a web app informed by self-determination theory to support the basic psychological needs through its thoughtfully designed features. Participants were allocated unblinded across treatment groups to complete daily online questionnaires over a 100-day period from May to August 2022. All participants received a daily text message with a link for the questionnaires. On completion, participants in the control group received a confirmation message, while participants in the intervention group had a browser with the menu of the web app opened for them. The features within the menu were voluntary to use. OUTCOME MEASURES: The prespecified assessments included evaluating the recruitment rate, retention rate (which reflected both sustained participation and the proportion of completed daily questionnaire entries), the suitability of outcome measures and the acceptability of the intervention and evaluation design to both participants and staff. Qualitative data were collected through a collaborative learning process with participants from the intervention group in November 2022.

resultsA total of 30 participants were invited, randomly assigned 1:1 and analysed, resulting in a recruitment rate of 100%. None were lost to follow-up as all remained in the study for the entire duration. The response rate was 84.5% in the intervention group and 79.1% in the control group, indicating satisfactory retention. Outcome measures were deemed appropriate. No unintended adverse events were identified. The collaborative learning meetings involved three participants in the first meeting and two in the second, comprising a total of five different individuals. Participants found the intervention acceptable. They used it differently but agreed that its components were useful. Technical issues needed fixing, and voluntary free text boxes and registration of medication dosage should be added.

conclusionsThe intervention and evaluation design were assessed as acceptable and feasible. Technical issues were fixed, and additional response options were added before a randomised evaluation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ILIT.NU: EudraCT 2020-001060-28. CLINICALTRIALS: gov NCT05191186.