Recruitment Barriers of an mHealth Pediatric Asthma Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health Research
• Mobile Health Interventions
• Clinical Study Recruitment

Background:

• Pediatric study recruitment faces significant challenges, often leading to discontinuation.
• Mobile health (mHealth) interventions for pediatric asthma require effective participant recruitment strategies.
• Barriers in initial contact, screening, consent, and retention can impede study progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on recruitment efforts for a 2-year pediatric mHealth asthma intervention pilot study.
• To identify and analyze barriers encountered during the recruitment process.
• To provide considerations for future pediatric study recruitment.

Main Methods:

• The study involved a 2-year pilot of a pediatric mHealth asthma intervention.
• Researchers documented failures in all four recruitment areas: contact, screening, consent, enrollment, and retention.
• Strategies were adapted throughout the study in response to encountered difficulties.

Main Results:

• Minimal participant enrollment was observed due to poor participation, communication issues, and pandemic-related emergency department recruitment challenges.
• The study experienced failures across all recruitment stages.
• Adaptation of recruitment strategies was necessary to address emergent barriers.

Conclusions:

• Frequent and clear communication is essential for successful pediatric study recruitment.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt initial recruitment plans are critical for overcoming challenges.
• Effective strategies are vital for the successful enrollment and retention of children in clinical studies.