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. 2012 Jun;44(2):120-6.
doi: 10.1111/j.1547-5069.2012.01439.x. Epub 2012 Mar 27.

Maintaining participation and momentum in longitudinal research involving high-risk families

Ann L Graziotti  1 , Jane Hammond, Daniel S Messinger, Carla M Bann, Cynthia Miller-Loncar, Jean E Twomey, Charlotte Bursi, Eunice Woldt, Jay Ann Nelson, Debra Fleischmann, Barbara Alexander
Affiliations

Maintaining participation and momentum in longitudinal research involving high-risk families

Ann L Graziotti et al. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2012 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to identify and describe strategies available to optimize retention of a high-risk research cohort and assist in the recovery of study participants following participant dropout.

Design and methods: The Maternal Lifestyle Study (MLS), which investigated the effects of prenatal substance exposure (cocaine or opiates) on child outcome, is a prospective longitudinal follow-up study that extended from birth through 15 years of age. Retention strategies to maximize participation and factors that might negatively impact compliance were examined over the course of five follow-up phases.

Findings: At the conclusion of the 15-year visits, MLS had successfully maintained compliance at 76%. Retention rates did not differ by exposure group.

Conclusions: Maintaining ongoing participation of enrolled study subjects is a critical element of any successful longitudinal study. Strategies that can be used to reengage and maintain participants in longitudinal research include persistence, flexibility with scheduling, home visits, long-distance trips, increased incentives, and development of a computerized tracking system. Establishing rapport with families and ensuring confidentiality contributed to overall participant retention. The use of multiple tracking techniques is essential.

Clinical relevance: Researchers are challenged to maintain participants in longitudinal studies to ensure the integrity of their research.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Retention Rates by Year and Exposure to Cocaine and/or Opiates.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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