Assessing the acceptability of using patient portals to recruit pregnant women and new mothers for maternal-child health research.

OBJECTIVE

Electronic patient portals (PP) allow for targeted and efficient research recruitment. We assessed pre- and postnatal women's recruitment methods preferences, focusing on PP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted 4 in-person focus groups with new and expecting mothers. Participants reported demographics, health status, and comfort with technology including PP. We used descriptive statistics to characterize quantitative data and a quasi-deductive approach to analyze qualitative data.

RESULTS

Participants ( = 32) were an average age of 31.9 years, mostly White (65.6%), married (90.6%), and had a 4-year degree or higher (71.9%). Although they preferred PP for research recruitment over other methods (eg, in-person, physical mail), participants suggested potential barriers, including high message frequency, messages feeling like spam, and concerns about confidentiality. Participants suggested solutions, including enhancing autonomy through opt-in methods; integrating their healthcare provider's feedback; sending personal and relevant messages; and assuring their PP data are confidential.

DISCUSSION

PPs are a promising recruitment method for pre- and postnatal women including for maternal-child health studies. To ensure engagement with the method, researchers must respond to known patient concerns and incorporate their feedback into future efforts.

CONCLUSION

Although PP were generally viewed as an acceptable recruitment method, researchers should be mindful of barriers that may limit its reach and effectiveness.