Could electronic medical records help recruit more representative trial populations?

Investigators have compared various traditional and electronic-based protocols used to help recruit participants for a clinical trial concerning gout, determining that a hybrid strategy –  combining the use of electronic medical records with postal mailings to help identify and reach out to prospective enrollees respectively – was both cost effective and increased trial participation of traditionally under-represented groups. Digitization of routine protocols in healthcare has been increasing in recent years, exemplified by the increased uptake of electronic health and medical records. This has also spurred increased use of electronic-based processes for helping recruit individuals to participate in clinical trials. However,...