Factors affecting patient recruitment to trials: qualitative research in general practice

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Figure 1. Factors related to patient recruitment for scientific research in general practice. The eight themes and their corresponding factors are shown with an indication as to whether the factor could positively (+) or negatively (-) influence recruitment (± if both were possible). Relevant connections between themes are shown by the ligatures at the base of the image.

Table 1. Characteristics of participating GPs, N = 16

Characteristics	n (%)^a
Sex , male	8 (50)
Median age , years (range)	52 (38–61)
Median GP experience , years (range)	19 (5–35)
Competent in LNG-IUS insertionYesNo	15 (94)1 (6)
Median patients per GP , n ^b (range)	2170 (1600–3650)
Type of general practiceSolo practiceDuo practiceGroup practice	10 (63)^c3 (19)3 (19)
Location of general practiceUrbanRuralMedian distance to nearest participating hospital, km (range)	9 (56)7 (44)5.9 (0.9–25.4)
R ecruited patients for MIRA trial , n 0≥1	10 (63)6 (38)
Other characteristicsGP educatorDoctorate degreePharmacy owner combined with GP	4 (25)3 (19)1 (6)

^aUnless otherwise indicated. ^bNumber of patients registered per full-time working GP. The standard number of patients registered in a general practice in the Netherlands was 2168 patients in 2014.²⁵ ^cIncluding eight GPs who owned a private practice but shared a building with other GPs. LNG-IUS = levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.