EHR Phenotyping for Research Recruitment: Researcher, IRB, and Physician Perspectives on Approaches to Contacting Patients

Authors

• Laura M. Beskow
• Kahtleen M. Brelsford
• Catherine Hammack-Aviran, Belmont University College of LawFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2020

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates stakeholder perspectives on the use of electronic health record (EHR) phenotyping to identify and recruit patients for clinical research. Interviews with researchers, institutional review board (IRB) chairs, and primary care physicians explored attitudes toward different approaches for contacting potentially eligible patients. Key themes included trust, privacy, research efficiency, and the impact of recruitment practices on physician–patient relationships. While participants generally viewed both physician-mediated and direct researcher contact as acceptable, many preferred physician involvement to maintain trust and credibility. The study also explored opt-in and opt-out recruitment strategies, revealing divided opinions regarding their appropriateness. The findings highlight ethical tensions between maximizing research participation and protecting patient autonomy and trust.

Recommended Citation

Laura Beskow, Kathleen Brelsford, & Catherine Hammack-Aviran, EHR Phenotyping for Research Recruitment: Researcher, IRB, and Physician Perspectives on Approaches to Contacting Patients, J. Clinical & Translational Sci. (2020).