Recruitment strategies and participant motivations in a digital randomized controlled trial for the prevention of anxiety disorders: the prevANS study - Scorecard - MDSpire

Recruitment strategies and participant motivations in a digital randomized controlled trial for the prevention of anxiety disorders: the prevANS study

  • By

  • Cristina García-Huércano

  • Sonia Conejo-Cerón

  • Alberto Rodríguez-Morejón

  • Carmela Martínez-Vispo

  • Natalia Sánchez-Aguadero

  • Olaya Tamayo-Morales

  • Patricia Moreno-Peral

  • May 13, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Strategies for Participant Recruitment and Motivations in a Digital Randomized Controlled Trial Aimed at Preventing Anxiety Disorders: Insights from the prevANS Study

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionAnxiety Disorders
Key MechanismsDigital preventive interventions utilizing communication and information technologies.
Target PopulationIndividuals at risk for anxiety disorders, primarily women and highly educated participants.
Care SettingDigital platforms for mental health interventions.

Key Highlights

  • 6,017 individuals initiated screening; 1,054 participants enrolled (17.5% conversion rate).
  • Effective recruitment strategies included social media and university dissemination.
  • Word of mouth significantly impacted participant recruitment.
  • Main motivations for enrollment: helping others, health-related issues, and personal benefits.
  • Recruitment strategies should be tailored to the target population.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Consider the prevalence and impact of anxiety disorders in the population.

Management

  • Utilize digital interventions to enhance accessibility and scalability of preventive measures.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Evaluate participant engagement and retention throughout the digital intervention.

Risks

  • Address barriers to treatment seeking, including stigma and financial concerns.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Individuals with anxiety disorders or at risk for developing them.

Digital interventions can provide anonymous access and flexible use, potentially reducing therapy-related costs.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Involve users in co-design and co-creation of digital interventions.
  • Ensure interventions are adaptable and sustainable for broader public health impact.
  • Focus on reducing the prevention gap through accessible interventions.

References

Original Source(s)

Recruitment strategies and participant motivations in a digital randomized controlled trial for the prevention of anxiety disorders: the prevANS study

  • by Cristina García-Huércano, Sonia Conejo-Cerón, Alberto Rodríguez-Morejón, Carmela Martínez-Vispo, Natalia Sánchez-Aguadero, Olaya Tamayo-Morales, Patricia Moreno-Peral

  • May 13, 2026

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