More people sign up to be part of dementia research following successful campaign

A recent Wessex campaign to increase sign up to Join Dementia Research (JDR) , a place to register interest in taking part in research, has seen fantastic results. 

The campaign, which took place in February 2024, saw nine Wessex based GP surgeries send text messages to patients, inviting them to register for JDR. 

JDR is a service that connects registered volunteers with dementia researchers across the UK who are looking for people to join their studies. When people sign up to JDR, the information is used to match them to studies they may be able to take part in, both online, nationally and in their local area. It is a national service which partners with The Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, and Alzheimer’s Scotland. 

Campaign results

In this recent Wessex campaign, targeted text messages were sent to a total of 1,491 patients with memory concerns or a dementia diagnosis. Data shows that these GP texts contributed to the highest amount of sign ups for Wessex in February to April with 115 new registrations (a 7.7% conversion rate). This is an incredible result, with a much higher conversion rate than the original nationwide campaign’s less focused approach of sending the message to all patients in their GP lists. 

From these new registrations, 77% were people with dementia. These registrations are particularly important, providing researchers with people who are directly affected by dementia as well as providing those with dementia the opportunity to get involved in vital dementia studies.

Putting previous learning into practice

This Wessex campaign follows an initial GP text messaging pilot in 2022/23 by 10 Local Clinical Research Networks. Learnings from this original pilot were key to this latest campaign. 

This time it was important  to look at implementing a more targeted approach to sending the text messages. Working with the GP surgeries and building a specific search, text messages were sent to those over 50 with a memory concern or diagnosis.

In addition to this more targeted approach, the wording for the text messages used in the original pilot was changed to be more engaging with a clear call to action to sign up. This new wording was developed in consultation with public contributors. 

Furthermore, posters, leaflets, copy for newsletters and social media to promote the campaign were provided to the GP surgeries in advance of sending the text messages.

Amanda Pattie, Support Study Manager and Wessex lead for Join Dementia Research comments: “We are delighted with the results of the Wessex GP text messaging campaign. Our local JDR working group collaborated with the learnings from the initial pilot, and developed a targeted, localised campaign that delivered fantastic results. Dementia affects more than 850,000 people in the UK and it is only through research that we can work towards better prevention and  treatment and improve the  care of those living with dementia.”

Gemma Rood, Assistant Portfolio Manager at CRN Wessex adds: “We would like to thank all of the Wessex practices that supported this campaign as they were pivotal to its successful outcome."

For more information about dementia research please go to the Join Dementia Research website.