Computer networks as a source of research subjects

Acquiring access to subjects for research is a problem that confronts many nurse researchers. Methods commonly used for subject recruitment may provide an inadequate subject pool for successful study completion. Computer networks can be a viable alternative for subject recruitment through the use of on-line bulletin boards and support groups for many health-related issues. The use of an on-line network to augment the subject pool in one study is briefly described. Nurses are encouraged to use this technology as one creative way to recruit and access subjects in order to continue to be successful in the clinical research arena.