Appendix A
compulsive behavior, stress reduction
Qualitative Results.Barriers and Facilitators. Our study revealed several barriers and facilitators that contribute to participants’ decisions to enroll (or not) in clinical trials (see Use of mobile phone use. The results of the qualitative focus group revealed several key ways in which participants utilized mobile phones and devices. Participants commonly reported using their devices for various purposes, such as staying informed through news updates, engaging in communication through calls and messages, and accessing the internet to browse for information. Additionally, participants discussed engaging in compulsive behavior and using their devices for entertainment purposes, specifically by frequently surfing the internet for entertainment content. Utility and utilization of health and wellness digital applications. Participants discussed their engagement with various types of apps, including meditation apps for relaxation and stress reduction, medical records apps for convenient access to personal health information, web search apps for gathering health-related information, and fitness tracking apps for monitoring physical activity and progress. Furthermore, participants highlighted barriers that hindered sustained use of these apps, indicating challenges such as lack of motivation, complex user interfaces, and concerns regarding data privacy and security. Knowledge and experience being part of traditional clinical trials. The results of the qualitative focus group provided valuable insights into participants’ knowledge and experiences regarding traditional clinical trials. Participants expressed that being part of a clinical trial was a valuable learning experience, although they had uncertainties about the potential risks involved. Limited awareness about clinical trials and difficulties in finding relevant information were common challenges, with participants relying on different information sources such as their family network and newspapers. Concerns regarding the credibility of information sources were also noted. Participants highlighted the importance of easy access to reliable information about clinical trials. Different types of motivation, including personal, monetary, and altruistic factors, were identified as drivers for participation. However, the perceived invasiveness of procedures emerged as a significant barrier to participating in clinical trials.Beliefs and attitudes toward receiving digital notifications on mobile device. Participants expressed that repetitive notifications were perceived as irritating and often led to them ignoring or deleting the associated app. However, participants also recognized the value of notifications as a reminder strategy, acknowledging that they can serve as helpful prompts for various activities or important information. These contrasting perspectives revealed a nuanced view of the role and impact of digital notifications, with participants highlighting the importance of finding a balance between useful reminders and avoiding excessive or intrusive notifications.The use of and value of health and wellness websites. Participants expressed that they frequently utilized hospital websites as a valuable resource for gathering information related to their health. These websites served as a means of preparation before visiting the doctor’s office, enabling participants to educate themselves about medical conditions, treatment options, and other relevant health-related information. The participants’ emphasis on the utility and importance of hospital websites highlighted their role in empowering individuals to take an active role in managing their health by providing easily accessible and reliable information.Recommended features and tools in clinical trial mobile applications. The insights gained from the qualitative focus group discussions provided valuable input on participants’ perspectives regarding recommended features and tools in clinical trial mobile applications. Participants emphasized the importance of personalization, stating that the app should be designed to meet their specific interests and needs. They also expressed the need for clear and specific information within the app, enabling them to understand the trial requirements, procedures, and expectations more effectively. Additionally, participants highlighted the potential value of incorporating features related to diet and nutrition, as well as everyday life activities, into the app. These recommendations underscored the desire for a comprehensive and user-friendly app that goes beyond trial-specific elements and addresses broader aspects of participants’ well-being during the clinical trial journey. 