Trying small nudges to encourage healthy adults to sign up as volunteers
Using Nudges to Recruit Human Subjects in Clinical & Translational Research
We will try adding behavioral 'nudges' to recruitment messages to see if healthy adults are more likely to sign up for a low-risk interview.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Utah Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah) |
| Trial ID | NCT06857903 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional trial randomizes English-speaking adults to receive recruitment materials that either include or omit a set of behavioral nudges. Participants are healthy volunteers invited to take part in a minimal-risk interview. The primary outcome is whether people choose to participate in the interview after receiving the recruitment message. The trial is conducted at the University of Utah and compares enrollment rates between the two messaging approaches.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: English-speaking adults aged 18 or older who are willing to be contacted about and to participate in a low-risk interview are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People under 18, non-English speakers, or those unwilling to take part in interviews are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could increase and diversify volunteer enrollment, helping studies finish faster and represent more people.
How similar studies have performed: Previous recruitment-nudge efforts have sometimes increased participation in low-risk studies, but results have varied by context and message design.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: English-speaking; 18 years of age or older Exclusion Criteria: None
Where this trial is running
Salt Lake City, Utah
- University of Utah — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kimberly Kaphingst, ScD — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Molly Volkmar
- Email: molly.volkmar@hci.utah.edu
- Phone: 801-213-5724
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.