Embedding research study recruitment within the patient portal preCheck-in

Abstract

Abstract Objective Patient portals are increasingly used to recruit patients in research studies, but communication response rates remain low without tactics such as financial incentives or manual outreach. We evaluated a new method of study enrollment by embedding a study information sheet and HIPAA authorization form (HAF) into the patient portal preCheck-in (where patients report basic information like allergies). Materials and Methods Eligible patients who enrolled received an after-visit patient-reported outcomes survey through the patient portal. No additional recruitment/messaging efforts were made. Results A total of 386 of 843 patients completed preCheck-in, 308 of whom signed the HAF and enrolled in the study (37% enrollment rate). Of 93 patients who were eligible to receive the after-visit survey, 45 completed it (48% completion rate). Conclusion Enrollment and survey completion rates were higher than what is typically seen with recruitment by patient portal messaging, suggesting that preCheck-in recruitment can enhance research study recruitment and warrants further investigation.