The FACT theme is undertaking the ReSurgEnT (Research on Surgeons and Engagement in Trials) study funded by a HTMR network grant. The aims of the study are: 1) To identify the key strategies leading to successful trial conduct within surgical trainee collaboratives; and 2) To use this to develop methods/recommendations to enhance clinician engagement in trials across clinical specialities and to inform the medical curriculum in training future clinicians to engage with research. Data collection has been completed and the analysis underway, with a stakeholder meeting to be held in October. Preliminary findings (which were presented at the Society for Clinical Trials meeting in May 2018 in Portland, Oregon) indicate that trainee collaboratives play an important role in conducting rigorous surgical research. The “power” of these collaboratives lies in their ability to engage and bring together multi-disciplinary teams in a supportive and integrated manner. Mentoring is a key feature both within and across collaboratives.  Challenges to trainee surgeon engagement include a perceived lack of time, recognition of trainee input and authorship issues.

The FACT theme also presented qualitative findings from the “Losing the Losses” study (funded by an MRP grant) at SCT. The study has been completed and published in Trials.  [CC1] The study aimed to explore retention strategies used by trial teams and factors which may influence strategy adoption.  Findings from interviews with trial team members revealed strategies used to enhance retention.  Some were recognised methods and planned from trial outset whilst others were implemented more responsively.  Great value was placed on fostering positive relationships with trial participants to enhance retention.  However these strategies took time which was not always appreciated by the wider trial team or funding bodies.  The national focus on recruitment targets in networks posed a challenge to staff and was deemed detrimental to retention.  Individual researchers relied on their own beliefs and values and research experience with these factors affecting their confidence to pursue participant data during follow up.