Maintaining Participation and Momentum in Longitudinal Research Involving High‐Risk Families

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.

A methodological review of qualitative longitudinal research in nursing

“…Dissemination of strategies that promote retention can also be helpful to other researchers. Practical strategies to limit attrition in longitudinal studies are described in the literature by quantitative and qualitative researchers alike (Farrall, Hunter, Sharpe, & Calverley, ; Graziotti et al., ; Hobden, Forney, Durham, & Toro, ; Lyons et al., ; Seed, Juarez, & Alnatour, ; van Wijk & Harrison, ). From the beginning of a study, researchers are advised to obtain participants’ addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses and take steps to ensure that participants know how to notify researchers if they move or change phone numbers.…”

“…() and Graziotti et al. () recommend obtaining contact information for at least two people who would likely know of the participant's whereabouts. In addition, personal communications include sending reminder postcards, birthday cards, and newsletters about the study reinforce connections (Lyons et al., ).…”

“…Researchers’ persistence, flexibility, and sleuthing are crucial to reduce attrition (Graziotti et al., ; van Wijk & Harrison, ). When participants do not respond to recruitment letters for follow‐up sessions, Seed et al.…”

“…Graziotti et al. () take a more proactive approach by offering an additional $10 incentive when participants update the researcher on changes of address or phone numbers. They also continue to communicate with participants who withdraw from the study in hopes that they may reengage in subsequent waves.…”

“…Graziotti et al. () recommend developing an electronic tracking system to facilitate retention in lengthy studies. The system they developed served several purposes:

…manage and record all family contact information, contact attempts, and visit status.

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