The CAN-DO-IT Model: a Process for Developing and Refining Online Recruitment in HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Research

Kathryn Macapagal*, Dennis H. Li, Antonia Clifford, Krystal Madkins, Brian Mustanski

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of Review: HIV/AIDS and sexual health research has increasingly relied on online recruitment in recent years. However, as potential online recruitment avenues (e.g., dating and sexual networking applications, websites, social media) have proliferated, navigating this process has become increasingly complex. This paper presents a practical model to guide researchers through online recruitment irrespective of platform. Recent Findings: The CAN-DO-IT model reflects 7 iterative steps based on work by the authors and other investigators: conceptualize scope of recruitment campaign, acquire necessary expertise, navigate online platforms, develop advertisements, optimize recruitment-to-enrollment workflow, implement advertising campaign, and track performance of campaigns and respond accordingly. Summary: Online recruitment can accelerate HIV/AIDS research, yet relatively limited guidance exists to facilitate this process across platforms. The CAN-DO-IT model presents one approach to demystify online recruitment and reduce enrollment barriers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)190-202
Number of pages13
JournalCurrent HIV/AIDS Reports
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2020

Funding

Grants from the National Institutes of Health supported the authors’ research described in this manuscript: U01MD011281, U01DA036939, R01MH118213, R01AA024065, DP2DA042417, P30AI117943, and P30DA027828. Work by Kathryn Macapagal was also supported by a grant from the Sexualities Project at Northwestern. The content in this manuscript is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not reflect the views of the National Institutes of Health. Acknowledgments

Keywords

  • Geosocial networking applications
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Internet
  • Research subject recruitment
  • Sexual health
  • Social media

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

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