Is Digital Recruitment For Clinical Trials Ethical By Design?

As clinical trial patient recruitment increasingly relies on digital tools, including social media and algorithms, new ethical challenges have emerged. A 2020 study found that nearly 100 trials from 2011 to 2022 used 45 percent social media exclusively for recruitment. The use of search engines and health data for targeting also raises concerns, as nearly 60% of U.S. adults have used the internet to find medical information. Potential issues include over-targeting, the exploitation of vulnerable populations, and a lack of transparency regarding how personal data is used.

It's crucial for recruitment efforts to be reviewed by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). To navigate these issues, ethical recruitment is key. Trust is a vital recruitment strategy because patients are more likely to engage when they feel informed and respected. It's not just about doing what's right; prioritizing transparency builds stronger reputations and leads to better outcomes.