BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the effectiveness of different methods to recruit patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) into a randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS: 630 participants were recruited into a multicenter RCT using electronic medical record (EMR) bulk messaging, in-person study discussion with a clinician, or a hybrid method combining the above approaches. RESULTS: Bulk EMR messaging alone had the highest recruitment and response rates, required the least amount of time to implement, and incurred the lowest cost as compared to the in-person and hybrid recruitment methods. CONCLUSIONS: Digital health technology can enhance the recruitment of patients with IBD into randomized controlled trials.