A roadmap for precision medicine research recruitment: Empirical assessment of the public's willingness to participate

Kelsey Moriarty, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Susan M. Wolf, University of Minnesota Law School
Patricia M. Veach, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Bonnie Leroy, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Ian M. MacFarlane, Elizabethtown College
Heather A. Zierhut, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Abstract

Aim: Precision medicine research recruitment poses challenges. To better understand factors impacting recruitment, this study assessed hypothetical willingness, public opinions of and familiarity with precision medicine research. Materials & methods: Adult attendees (n = 942) at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair completed an electronic survey. Results: Few respondents had heard of ‘precision medicine' (18%), and familiarity came mostly from media (43%). Fifty-six percent expressed hypothetical willingness to participate in precision medicine research. Significant predictors of willingness were: comfort with unconditional research; perceiving precision medicine research as beneficial, trustworthy and confidential; having a graduate degree; comfort with self- but not family-participation; and familiarity with precision/personalized medicine. Conclusion: This study identified predictors of hypothetical willingness to participate in precision medicine research. Alternative recruitment strategies are needed.