Summary

Research trials often struggle to recruit participants, and this issue can be worse when recruiting vulnerable populations, such as participants with mental health conditions. Some research trials recruit participants using “online” methods, such as via social media or websites. However, we don’t know if using online methods improves recruitment into mental health trials or impacts on our ability to include hard-to-reach or under-served participants. The aim of the RE-MIND study is to identify and provide evidence and guidance to researchers for use of online methods in the recruitment of participants into mental health clinical trials, with a particular focus on whether online methods improve inclusivity. Recruitment in this instance being the identification, notification and first contact with participants about a trial and potential participation. This study does not include issues of consent.  

The study consisted of 3 work packages: 

WP1: An evidence review of recently published randomised trials in mental health to assess the impact of online (digital) versus offline recruitment in clinical trials.

WP2: A qualitative study investigating the experiences, opinions and ideas of key stakeholders on use of online recruitment as an approach in mental health clinical trials.

WP3: Combining the results of WP1 and WP2 to produce practical considerations and recommendations on the use of online recruitment of participants into mental health clinical trials.

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