Assessing the role of interactivity: An evaluation of information aids to support the enrollment of precision medicine research programs

Abstract

ObjectiveRecruiting diverse participants for precision medicine (PM) research programs should overcome low literacy and varied expectations. Information aids (IA) can address these barriers through patient-centered education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three information aids (IA) on participating in PM. MethodsAn experiment with 290 U.S. participants recruited from Mturk was conducted to compare the effects of three IAs on the outcomes related to participation. Three conditions included an interactive IA (i.e., providing PM-related information responding to each participant’s questions), a static IA (i.e., providing uniform PM-related information), and a control condition (i.e., providing non-interactive information irrelevant to PM). ResultsBoth interactive and non-interactive IAs increased attitudes and information-seeking intentions, but not knowledge or participation intention. Perceived control and responsiveness mediated the effects of interactive IA. ConclusionBoth interactive and static IAs supported enrollment efforts for PM through fostering attitudes and follow-up information-seeking. Increased perceived control and responsiveness are key to the effects of interactive IA. Practice implicationsIAs provide effective education and enrollment support for PM. Interactive IA can respond to individuals’ inquiries and control the learning process.