Recruitment of participants with pancreatic cancer to a mixed media study for optimal recruitment in an Australasian survey of pancreatic enzyme replacement

Abstract

Background Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare and aggressive, with digestion and malabsorption issues often leading to significant weight loss. Recruitment of people with this malignancy into studies can be challenging, and innovative methods need to be explored to improve recruitment rates.Aim To describe a mixed media methodology and the outcomes used to recruit patients to participate in a binational survey.Methods The details of the mixed media method used to identify and recruit people with pancreatic cancer are described. This method was used to investigate pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy use in people with pancreatic cancer across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.Results The mixed media approach was successful in reaching 334 participants from a range of ethnicities and regions. Results showed that social media platforms were notably more efficient and cost-effective than radio and newspaper but required additional expertise, including graphic design and media strategy knowledge.Conclusions Social media is an effective and efficient method of recruiting people with pancreatic cancer to a national survey. Studies using media to recruit patients may need to include team members with a range of skills.