Recruitment Using the Internet

The internet has become a popular recruitment tool for potential subjects with Internet access and who are aware of patient advocacy groups or websites for specific diseases or conditions. Investigators may list their study on one or more of these websites which are then available for viewing by potential subjects. Advertisements, soliciting participation in research, may also be posted on specific websites. Please note that when the potential subject is asked to provide the investigator with sensitive information as part of determining if the individual meets the inclusion or exclusion criteria, the subject may wish to call the research team rather than respond by e-mail, which is not secure. Additional information on this topic is available in Module #4.