Comparison of targeted web-based advertising versus traditional methods for recruiting older adults into clinical trials

Background

Recruiting older adults into clinical trials can be particularly challenging. Our objective was to determine if targeted web-based advertising is an effective recruitment strategy.

Methods

We compared the recruitment rates of traditional and targeted web-based methods for three representative clinical trials involving older adults. All studies utilized traditional recruitment methods initially, but shifted toward primarily targeted web-based advertising after experiencing slow recruitment rates.

Results

We found that web-based advertising reached more individuals compared to traditional methods. Compared to traditional methods, web-based methods also had at least twice the rate of expressed interest, completion of telephone and in-person screening, eligibility, and enrollment. Additionally, the proportion of individuals excluded after the telephone screening did not differ according to whether targeted web-based advertising (STAMINA: 51%; Berries and Steps: 62%; ISTIM: 20%) or traditional methods (STAMINA: 48%; Berries and Steps: 69%; ISTIM: 23%) were used within each study. Those recruited using web-based advertisements tended to be younger compared to traditional methods, but were similar in racial distribution and education.

Conclusion

Targeted web-based advertisements may be more effective in recruiting older adults for clinical trials at a faster rate than traditional recruitment methods, but need further evaluation of compatible study designs, potential population bias, and cost-effectiveness.