Development and preliminary evaluation of a patient portal messaging for research recruitment service

Introduction We developed a service to identify potential study participants through electronic medical records and deliver study invitations through patient portals. Methods The service was piloted in a cohort study that used multiple recruitment methods. Results Patient portal messages were sent to 1303 individuals and the enrollment rate was 10% (n=127). The patient portal enrollment rate was significantly higher than email and post mail (4%) strategies. Conclusion Patient portal messaging was an effective recruitment strategy.