ZosterFluCov - a phase IV, multicentre, randomised controlled trial - set out to evaluate whether the shingles vaccine could be co-administered with flu or COVID-19 vaccines to boost uptake.
To meet their UK target of 960 participants, the study team needed to recruit adults aged 50 and over who had not received a shingles vaccine within the past five years.
Adding to the complexity, the trial was rolling out across multiple UK sites on staggered timelines between 2023 and 2024, requiring timely geo-targeted outreach.
From the outset, the ZosterFluCov team partnered with Be Part of Research to use the volunteer registry as an integral part of the study’s recruitment strategy.
Flexibly to meet study needs
Rather than solely relying on recruitment methods, the study team utilised the Be Part of Research registry to send 17 targeted mailouts to over 12,300 suitable volunteers via agile, geo-targeted outreach.
As each of the 13 trial sites opened, Be Part of Research responded, sending fresh batches of invitations strictly to volunteers within the new site’s catchment area.
“The ability to be selective - targeting certain regions of the country we want to recruit to - is a very useful feature. Having a system that is ready to plug into and allows for tailored recruitment has been very helpful.”
- Dr Rajeka Lazarus, chief investigator for ZosterFluCov
The impact: 1 in 3 participants recruited through Be Part of Research
The partnership yielded an exceptional return for the ZosterFluCov team, proving the volunteer registry's value as a primary recruitment engine:
- 309 study enrolments: Be Part of Research delivered one-third (32%) of the study's entire UK recruitment target
- 2.5% conversion rate: The targeted mailouts achieved a highly efficient conversion rate for this key vaccine trial.
- Seamless, efficient administration: Trial coordinators required only a quick email to the Be Part of Research team to initiate complex, location-specific mailouts.
