Social Media as a Tool for Study Recruitment

At a recent industry conference, a group of panelists at Patient Recruitment Outsourcing (PRO) said the early users of social media are using it productively in patient recruitment, but the industry as a whole is still fearful. The recent changes in technology, and the development of social media as a marketing tool have provided a new platform for companies to reach participants. Social media can offer the opportunity to reach out to potential volunteers and provide them with the necessary information about the research to make an informed decision.  Eric Bolesh of Cutting Edge Information said the number one reason for delays in clinical research is recruitment and registration after collecting data from surveying sponsors and vendors involved in recruitment.  Social media could provide a jump start for the research process. As an IRB, we review many different types of ads and have noticed an increase in online efforts.  Our job is to stay current with the times, while also always protecting study volunteers.  No doubt these new channels will challenge us all to think in new ways.  To read more, click here.