Promoting participation in remote digital health studies: An expert interview study

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Informatics
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Remote digital health studies offer operational efficiencies but face challenges in participant enrollment and retention.
• Exclusive reliance on technology across all study phases presents unique participation hurdles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gather expert opinions on strategies for improving participant engagement in remote digital health studies.
• To identify key factors influencing successful participation in technology-dependent research.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 13 semi-structured interviews with principal investigators, researchers, and software developers.
• Utilized the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework.
• Performed thematic analysis to identify approaches for successful study participation.

Main Results:

• Study planning should consider target population motivators and engagement factors.
• Enrollment strategies require careful selection, adequate support, and inclusivity.
• Participant retention is enhanced by minimizing task complexity and ensuring responsive technology.
• Development of guidelines is crucial for future remote digital health study planning.

Conclusions:

• Seamless technology integration and active researcher involvement are vital for high participation rates.
• Future studies should leverage expert experiences and develop guidelines for effective planning.
• Balancing participant needs with scientific requirements is essential for successful remote digital health studies.