Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen

Author Of 1 Presentation

Clinical Outcome Measures Poster Presentation

P0060 - Descriptive study on recruitment effort for a remote monitoring study in Multiple Sclerosis: RADAR study (ID 1529)

Abstract

Background

There is a growing body of literature highlighting the role that wearable and mobile remote monitoring technology (RMT) can play in the assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and how it could improve clinical care and improve efficiency of research.

The Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse in the Central Nervous System (RADAR-CNS) study is a pan-European consortium aimed to improve the management of different CNS disorders such as MS, Epilepsy or Major Depression using smartphones and wearable devices.

Most of the available data are based in small monocentric studies, however the full validation of these digital devices requires multicenter, well designed studies providing information on feasibility and acceptability.

Objectives

We aimed to describe the outcomes of the recruitment process in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) RADAR-CNS disability and fatigue study (D&F).

Methods

The study was run in three European centers. Main eligibility criteria for D&F study were patients with relapsing-reminting or secondary progressive MS with an EDSS score between 2.0 and 6.0. Passive and active data were continuously collected through wearables (FitBit) and mobile phones (Android) and compared to the on-site visit every 3 months. The study duration is 2 years. The study sample size was 400 patients.

Results

The enrolment of the D&F study extended for a period of 18 months. We identified 4094 potential candidates (min-max 885-1789). At the end of the recruitment period, 678 (16.6%; min-max 0-24.2%) remained in the pre-screening phase. 3416 (min-max 885-1454) patients were assessed for eligibility. Out of those, 2372 (69.4%; min-max 53.3-87.1%) were excluded for not fulfilling the eligibility criteria: 1520 (64.1%; 15.0-87.1%) did not meet the EDSS score, 254 (10.7%; 0.2-49.6%) would not be suitable in the investigators opinion and 598 (25.2%; 3.0-60.3) did not have an Android. Out of the 1044 (30.6%; 12.9-46.7) eligible candidates, 644 (61.7%; 13.8-79.7%) declined to participate. A total of 400 (90-162) patients, 9.8% of the potential candidates, were enrolled into the study.

Conclusions

Our study illustrates the primary challenges in recruiting MS patients in RMT studies related to eligibility, both clinical and technological criteria, followed by reasons related to patients preferences. There is variability in the recruitment approach between centers. In future studies, developing technology for all types of phones and more attractive assessment for patients should be considered.

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