An online survey to assess parents' preferences for learning about child health research

AIM: Ethical and logistical issues often exacerbate recruitment problems in child health studies. This study aims: (a) to provide new knowledge on how parents want to hear about child health research and (b) to inform the KidsCAN PERC iPCT initiative's re‐examination of recruitment and retention strategies for pediatric emergency department research studies. DESIGN: We employed a cross‐sectional, survey design. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to participants (i.e., parents) through partner organizations' advisory group mailing lists. Frequencies and measures of central tendency guided data analysis. RESULTS: Parents are interested in hearing about child health research opportunities, particularly during general practitioner, pediatrician or walk‐in clinic visits. Most parents wanted updates on the research team, progress and results and support to participate, such as reimbursement of travel and childcare costs. Results can inform research teams in the planning of communications to effectively share research opportunities, progress and results with parents.