Enhanced recruitment methods for a dietary intervention trial aimed at reducing risk of colorectal cancer

This study developed and evaluated strategies to optimize recruitment and retention to a mobile health-supported dietary intervention trial, the MyBestGI Study. This included instituting a Personal Technology Assistant and enhancing the study website with three short videos. The Personal Technology Assistant was available to address potential digital literacy barriers. The videos provided information about the study, introduced the research staff, and provided directions to the study location. Each of the videos also addressed concerns related to privacy, security and ethics that can curtail trust in research. Evaluation of these strategies was done utilizing semi-structured interviews. Study participants reported joining the study to improve their own health and/or to help others who are at risk for colorectal cancer. Technological assistance was not requested for use of the MyBestGI app, but it was useful for completing the online dietary recalls that were required for study eligibility. Themes identified from the interviews included that participants appreciated knowing that technological support would be available if needed and that it was helpful in completing the dietary recalls. Themes identified regarding the utility of the videos included that the videos increased participant comfort with study procedures and the staff, and that the videos did influence their decision to join the study. Although the strategies implemented facilitated the enrollment process to the study, they unfortunately did not enhance the diversity of the MyBestGI study population. Despite this, the benefits uncovered from the staff and participant interviews do support the implementation of these strategies for recruitment enhancement.