Using social media to crowdsource collection of urine samples during a national pandemic

Elijah P Ward,Laura E Lamb,Prasun Sharma,Michael B Chancellor,Sarah N Bartolone

doi:10.1007/s11255-022-03108-5

Elijah P Ward, Laura E Lamb + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-022-03108-5

Copy DOI

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown had a substantial impact on normal research operations. Researchers needed to adapt their methods to engage at-home participants. One method is crowdsourcing, in which researchers use social media to recruit participants, gather data, and collect samples. We utilized this method to develop a diagnostic test for Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS). Participants were recruited via posts on popular social-media platforms, and enrolled via a website. Participants received and returned a mail kit containing bladder symptom surveys and a urine sample cup containing room-temperature preservative. Using this method, we collected 1254 IC/BPS and control samples in 3 months from all 50 United States. Our data demonstrate that crowdsourcing is a viable alternative to traditional research, with the ability to reach a broad patient population rapidly. Crowdsourcing is a powerful tool for at-home participation in research, particularly during the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights

The COVID-19 pandemic has massively impacted everyday life, shutting down nonessential services and forcing people to shelter in place for weeks at a time
With non-COVID-19 research activities suspended through a significant portion of 2020, nonessential researchers and scientists had no laboratory access [1]
A survey of 881 life scientists revealed that 57% reported some loss of work, stemming from decreased laboratory access [2]

Summary

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has massively impacted everyday life, shutting down nonessential services and forcing people to shelter in place for weeks at a time. One of the many effects of the global lockdown was the decrease in clinical research with the closing of research labs. With non-COVID-19 research activities suspended through a significant portion of 2020, nonessential researchers and scientists had no laboratory access [1]. A survey of 881 life scientists revealed that 57% reported some loss of work, stemming from decreased laboratory access [2]. This represents a financial problem, as costly experiments, such as those involving animal models, may need to be repeated. The National Institute of Health’s survey of principal investigators and research leaders revealed extreme concerns with institutional financial stability and productivity of research [4].

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion