Multi-modal recruitment efficiency in ScreenPlus, a large-scale consented pilot NBS program

ScreenPlus is a consented pilot program that aims to screen 100,000 babies for a panel of rare disorders. Given its size, ScreenPlus provides a unique opportunity to learn about optimal recruitment practices. ScreenPlus' recruitment strategy includes recruiter-initiated Active and Hybrid modes and parent-initiated Independent mode. Active recruitment occurs in-person at the postpartum bedside, whereas Hybrid recruitment includes other attempt types. In Independent recruitment, parents access online educational and e-consent forms. Analysis of 47,642 completed recruitment profiles from May 2021 through April 2025 showed that Active recruitment was used in 72.2% and had the highest percentage of parents consenting (65.5%) in an average of 1.2 days. Hybrid recruitment was used in 27.1% of profiles and resulted in a 44.5% consent rate in an average of 8.6 days, with electronic medical record messaging being the attempt type most likely to lead to a consent. Independent recruitment was used in less than 1% of profiles. In Active and Hybrid Recruitment, non-English speakers were more likely to consent compared with English speakers. Collectively, these findings emphasize that although optimal pilot NBS recruitment is multi-modal, direct communication between parents and study team has the highest consent yield.