Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42410092›Full record

ArticlePediatric research2026

Comparing in-person and online recruitment methods in a prospective pediatric cohort study.

Kristan E Madison, Priscilla A K Kobi, Brittany O Hume-Dawson, Heidi Adams, Kazi M Ullah, Yasmeen Benamar, Jennifer D Manrique, Jessica V Wilkins, Emily Parsons, Allison M W Malloy and 1 more

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Article in Pediatric research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Kristan E MadisonDepartment of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA. kristan.madison@usuhs.edu.
Priscilla A K KobiThe Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Brittany O Hume-DawsonDepartment of Pediatrics, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Heidi AdamsThe Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Kazi M UllahTranslational Medicine Unit, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Yasmeen BenamarThe Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Jennifer D ManriqueThe Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Jessica V WilkinsDepartment of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Emily ParsonsDepartment of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Allison M W MalloyDepartment of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Milissa U JonesDepartment of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundRecruitment difficulties frequently hinder pediatric clinical research, underscoring the need for strategic approaches to optimize limited time and resources. This study evaluates the efficacy of in-person versus internet-based recruitment methods.

methodsThe prospective Pediatric Respiratory Co-infection and Immunologic Response (Peds RECON) Study analyzed immune responses to respiratory viral infections in children. We implemented a dynamic strategy from January 2024 to May 2025. In-person methods included tabling and direct engagement. Online strategies utilized social media advertisements, ResearchMatch, and Facebook Parent Groups. We analyzed feasibility by comparing reach (interest expressed) and calculated conversion efficiency (enrollment proportion) using a statistical comparison.

resultsOf 118 individuals expressing interest, 91% (n = 107) originated through in-person methods compared to 9% (n = 11) from online outreach. After full explanation of study conduct and requirements, total enrollment reached 47 subjects, 43 recruited via in-person efforts and 4 online. While conversion rates were statistically similar between approaches, tabling yielded the highest volume. Facebook Parent Groups were the only successful online strategy.

conclusionIn-person recruitment achieved superior reach compared to online strategies in this cohort. Although conversion efficiency was comparable, resource-intensive traditional engagement remains the primary driver for successful accrual. These findings inform resource allocation and epidemiologic methods for future pediatric studies. IMPACT STATEMENT: Peds RECON found in-person recruitment methods significantly more effective than social media at reaching and enrolling pediatric participants. Findings suggest face-to-face interaction remains essential for building the rapport necessary in pediatric research. Results offer a practical framework for researchers when investing in staff-led outreach, which yields better results than digital advertising budgets. Future research is needed to bridge the trust gap in digital strategies to improve cost- and time-effective recruitment options.

Identifiers

PMID42410092

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.