Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS): retention strategy and results at 24 months.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Retaining participants in observational longitudinal studies after bariatric surgery is difficult yet critical because the retention rate affects interpretation and generalizability of results. Strategies for keeping participants involved in such studies are not commonly published. The objective of this study was to review LABS retention strategies and present the 24-month retention data.

Methods

The LABS Consortium monitors an observational cohort study of 2458 adults enrolled before bariatric surgery at 10 centers within the United States (LABS-2). To maximize data completeness, the investigators developed retention strategies, including flexible scheduling, a call protocol, reminder letters, abbreviated visit options, honoraria, travel reimbursement, providing

SUBMITTER: Gourash WF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3867134 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature