IADR Abstract Archives
ERecruitment Strategies for the COVID-19 Era
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted traditional ways of identifying, screening, and enrolling potential research participants, especially socioeconomically disadvantaged minorities. The purpose of this study was to develop an eRecruitment platform and evaluate its effectiveness for readily recruiting vulnerable minorities in an efficient and timely manner.
Methods: After process-mapping the recruitment workflow of a typical research study, we developed an eRecruitment platform using readily available tools, such as WordPress website templates, explainer videos, REDCap, Zoom, and Google Analytics. Text messaging software allowed rapid dissemination of study alerts, the REDCap module enabled automated prescreening and eligibility verification of interested participants using IRB-approved language and processes, algorithmically conducted stratified sampling, collected online consent, and allowed scheduling of a Zoom webchat with study staff. Google Analytics and dashboards allowed real-time monitoring of response rates and participant flow.
Results: The eRecruitment platform was evaluated in a study investigating electronic toothbrushes. Combined with the dental electronic health records, the platform allowed us over the course of three months to reach approximately 1,524 unique individuals with the target demographic (Hispanic, Black) and clinical (> 20 remaining teeth) phenotypes. 125 subjects responded by opening the study hyperlink in the text, 26 viewed the videos, 75 completed the eligibility screening, 40 were deemed eligible and 37 completed the consent and scheduled a zoom call. The conversion rate (consented/approached) was 2.43%. Stratified sampling ensured a study population with similar proportions of target attributes.
Conclusions: The eRecruitment platform offers a practical, flexible system that overcomes the logistical constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the targeted access to subjects, the platform supports automated prescreening of large numbers of prospective participants, rapid filtering of ineligible participants, and allows for more efficient use of staff time and study resources.
Methods: After process-mapping the recruitment workflow of a typical research study, we developed an eRecruitment platform using readily available tools, such as WordPress website templates, explainer videos, REDCap, Zoom, and Google Analytics. Text messaging software allowed rapid dissemination of study alerts, the REDCap module enabled automated prescreening and eligibility verification of interested participants using IRB-approved language and processes, algorithmically conducted stratified sampling, collected online consent, and allowed scheduling of a Zoom webchat with study staff. Google Analytics and dashboards allowed real-time monitoring of response rates and participant flow.
Results: The eRecruitment platform was evaluated in a study investigating electronic toothbrushes. Combined with the dental electronic health records, the platform allowed us over the course of three months to reach approximately 1,524 unique individuals with the target demographic (Hispanic, Black) and clinical (> 20 remaining teeth) phenotypes. 125 subjects responded by opening the study hyperlink in the text, 26 viewed the videos, 75 completed the eligibility screening, 40 were deemed eligible and 37 completed the consent and scheduled a zoom call. The conversion rate (consented/approached) was 2.43%. Stratified sampling ensured a study population with similar proportions of target attributes.
Conclusions: The eRecruitment platform offers a practical, flexible system that overcomes the logistical constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the targeted access to subjects, the platform supports automated prescreening of large numbers of prospective participants, rapid filtering of ineligible participants, and allows for more efficient use of staff time and study resources.