Facebook Advertisements Recruit Parents of Children With Cancer for an Online Survey of Web-Based Research Preferences. Issue 2 (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akard, Terrah Foster; Wray, Sarah; Gilmer, Mary Jo
• Is Part Of: Cancer nursing. Volume 38:Issue 2(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Child cancer -- Electronic survey -- Facebook -- Pediatric oncology -- Recruitment -- Social media; Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.736
• DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000146
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0162-220X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Studies involving samples of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families face significant challenges, including inadequate sample sizes and limited diversity. Social media recruitment and Web-based research methods may help address such challenges yet have not been explored in pediatric cancer populations. Objective: This study examined the feasibility of using Facebook advertisements to recruit parent caregivers of children and teenagers with cancer. We also explored the feasibility of Web-based video recording in pediatric palliative care populations by surveying parents of children with cancer regarding ( a ) their preferences for research methods and ( b ) technological capabilities of their computers and phones. Methods: Facebook's paid advertising program was used to recruit parent caregivers of children currently living with cancer to complete an electronic survey about research preferences and technological capabilities. Results: The advertising campaign generated 3 897 981 impressions, which resulted in 1050 clicks at a total cost of $1129.88. Of 284 screened individuals, 106 were eligible. Forty-five caregivers of children with cancer completed the entire electronic survey. Parents preferred and had technological capabilities for Web-based and electronic research methods. Participant survey responses are reported. Conclusion: Facebook was a useful, cost-effective method to recruit a diverse sample of parent caregivers of children with cancer. Web-based video recording and data collection may be feasible and desirable in samples of children with cancer and their families. Implications for Practice: Web-based methods (eg, Facebook, Skype) may enhance communication and access between nurses and pediatric oncology patients and their families.