409 Raising research awareness through StudyFinder

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To increase public awareness and access to research opportunities at the University of Minnesota (UMN) utilizing StudyFinder, a public-facing website that features actively enrolling UMN research studies and directly connects website visitors with study teams. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Promote the University of Minnesota CTSI’s StudyFinder website to the public via social media ad campaigns and community outreach. Upon completion of the latest StudyFinder enhancement project in 2021, CTSI focused 2022 efforts on marketing and promotion of the site. CTSI created three StudyFinder social media ad campaigns in January, June, and October. CTSI also planned outreach events during the week of Clinical Trials Day, the Minnesota State Fair (1.8M attendees over 12 days), and the UMN’s Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center Community Day. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Website traffic data from Google Analytics indicated a 72.76% increase in StudyFinder sessions from 2021 (Jan 1, 2021 to Nov 1, 2021) to 2022 (Jan 1, 2022 to Nov 1, 2022), with 16,262 sessions to 28,094 sessions, respectively. Direct emails from potential participants to study teams increased 89% in that same timeframe, from 3,082 emails to 5,819 emails. Targeted marketing campaigns and attending community events can improve the visibility of an institution’s research and connections of potential research participants to research teams. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Recruitment remains a main challenge in clinical and translational research. StudyFinder is an important patient-facing tool to connect individuals to specific studies. Future directions include expanding marketing efforts, events, and public feedback.