Messaging Strategies for Recruitment

ND
Overseen ByNeal Dickert, MD, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Emory University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests different messaging strategies to determine which most effectively engage people in joining research studies. It uses MyChart, an online patient portal, to send messages directly to patients. The trial includes several groups: one with positive language, one mentioning payment, one with both, and a standard message. Patients who usually receive messages through MyChart and have not opted out of research contact may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to enhance communication strategies in healthcare research.

What prior data suggests that these messaging strategies are safe for patient recruitment?

In a previous study, messages with positive language improved attitudes toward health behaviors. These messages are generally well-received because they create a positive emotional experience without physical side effects.

Regarding messages that mention payment, research shows that offering payment commonly encourages participation. However, little data exists on negative effects, as the focus usually remains on following rules and ethical guidelines.

For messages that include both positive language and payment information, no specific data on safety issues exists. Generally, these are considered safe because they involve communication strategies rather than physical treatments.

This trial focuses on messaging strategies, so no direct health risks are present. Safety concerns relate more to ethical and compliance issues, which are carefully managed in these studies.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative messaging strategies to boost patient recruitment for clinical studies. Unlike standard recruitment methods, which often use a generic template, this trial tests personalized approaches like positively-valenced messages and payment-inclusive messages. By tailoring communication to highlight study value and potential participant benefits, the trial aims to discover which strategies most effectively engage potential participants. This could lead to more efficient recruitment processes and, ultimately, faster advancement in medical research.

What evidence suggests that these messaging strategies are effective for patient recruitment?

This trial will compare different messaging strategies to boost interest and enrollment in clinical trials. One arm will use positively-valenced messages, which research has shown can improve perceptions of a study and encourage participation by highlighting its benefits and value. Another arm will include messages that mention payment, as studies have found that clear incentives can increase participation. Additionally, an arm will combine positive messages with payment offers, which might prove even more effective. The baseline arm will use the current standard messaging template. Text messaging, a proven and cost-effective method, quickly reaches many people and engages potential participants. Overall, these strategies aim to enhance recruitment yield.12678

Who Is on the Research Team?

ND

Neal Dickert, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Emory University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals who are part of a MyChart patient portal system. It's designed to see which messages work best for getting people interested in research studies. There aren't specific inclusion or exclusion criteria listed, so it may be open to a broad range of participants.

Inclusion Criteria

All studies using the MyChart recruitment service are eligible, including both clinical trials and observational studies
All patients receiving messages via MyChart will be included
Potential eligibility for a study using MyChart requirement based on the planned query/criteria for that study.

Exclusion Criteria

Not using MyChart for recruitment
At least 500 messages sent, 125 for each arm
Minor
See 1 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Recruitment Messaging

Participants receive MyChart recruitment messages using different templates to evaluate response rates

12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for their responses to recruitment messages and changes in MyChart permissions

12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Optimizing Strategies to Maximize Patient Recruitment Yield

Trial Overview

The study is testing four types of messages sent through MyChart: a standard message, one with positive language, another mentioning payment, and one combining positivity and payment info. The goal is to find out which type encourages more patients to join research studies.

How Is the Trial Designed?

4

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Positively-valenced, payment-inclusive messageExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Positively-valenced messageExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group III: Payment-inclusive messageExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group IV: Baseline (control) messageActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Emory University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,735
Recruited
2,605,000+

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)

Collaborator

Trials
394
Recruited
404,000+

American Heart Association

Collaborator

Trials
352
Recruited
6,196,000+

Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance (GaCTSA)

Collaborator

Citations

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This article will address practical compliance considerations related to (1) how clinical trial sponsors might compensate healthcare professionals (HCPs).

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Because payment is an important tool for recruitment and retention, withholding remuneration is not an appropriate solution. Rather, key ...

Payment and Reimbursement to Research Subjects

All information concerning payment, including the amount and schedule of payment(s), should be set forth in the informed consent document.