Understanding recruitment to a randomised controlled trial (RCT) during liver transplantation: an observational mixed-methods Study Within A Trial (SWAT).

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Perioperative randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in liver transplantation are relatively infrequent. RCTs performed in this complex patient population need to be robustly conducted to maximise patient benefit and graft utility given the scarcity of donor organs. Recruitment challenges can compromise RCTs and studies in this population face unique challenges due to recipient illness severity, their comorbidities, demographics and the geographical constraints of specialist transplant centres. Emergency presentation and after-hours admission may further limit patients' capacity or readiness to consider trial participation. This Study Within a Trial (SWAT) specifically explored motivators and barriers to recruitment in patients awaiting liver transplantation.

Design

SUBMITTER: Coppack KES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12781991 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature