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Engaging Social Media Influencers to Recruit Hard-to-Reach Populations

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Though clinical researchers have begun to use social media platforms to recruit participants, social media influencers are innovative community connectors to further expand recruitment reach, especially in hard-to-reach populations. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this methods article is to provide a step-by-step guide for engaging social media influencers for virtual participant recruitment. METHODS: There are multiple steps for researchers to follow, including preplanning, institutional review board approval, engaging with influencers, the pitch, the post, and results dissemination. DISCUSSION: Engaging social media influencers to recruit for clinical research demonstrates great potential to increase access to hard-to-reach populations. Several methodological considerations remain, and this article shares both opportunities and challenges to guide researchers in this technique.

Source: Nursing Research

DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000544

Authors: Katherine Wentzell, Heather R. Walker, Allyson S. Hughes, Judith A. Vessey

Institutions: Boston College, Boston Children's Hospital, Joslin Diabetes Center, University of Utah, T1D Exchange

Language: English

Topic: Social Media in Health Education

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases