Introduction: Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer globally and it is increasing. In Australia, two in every three trials are investigator-initiated trials developed by clinical research networks (CRNs). CRN trials rely on the participation of high-quality members who are essential to drive the research program. Attracting and retaining high-quality CRNs members is important. Methods: Applying grounded theory, data from six mature Australian cancer CRNs were evaluated to identify, define and evaluate strategies that could be used to grow, engage and retain high-quality members to a new skin cancer CRN. The impact of the strategies influencing membership growth, engagement and retention were evaluated for impact. Data from websites, reports and communications was analysed. Results: The skin cancer CRN established in 2007. Membership grew annually. 14 strategies for membership growth, engagement and retention were identified, defined, evaluated and priority-ranked for impact. Conclusion: The skin cancer CRN now has 1 700+ high-quality, internationally representative members who conduct high-quality trials. Other organisations can build upon these strategies by continuing to invest in initiatives focussed on increasing and retaining high-quality members to ensure the efficient conduct of high-quality clinical research which may improve patient outcomes.
Paton et al. (Sun,) studied this question.