Running a community clinical trial: lessons from the CAMELOT project

It is now well understood that rigorously conducted research is required to provide evidence of efficacy in the interventions of the therapy professions. However, undertaking or participating in research in clinical areas can pose problems for both clinicians and researchers.

This article identifies some of the issues that challenged the successful completion of the CAMELOT project and the lessons learnt from running such a randomized, controlled trial in the community. Key findings included the need for early involvement and good communication and cooperation between clinicians and research teams. Particular attention needed to be given to optimizing informal as well as formal strategies for sharing information at the grass roots in the research setting.

The development of trust with participants, collaborators and the wider health- and social-care provider network is essential if researchers are to complete projects.