Professionally designed information materials and telephone reminders improved consent response rates: evidence from an RCT nested within a cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate whether different study-to-participant communication methods increase response, increase response from hard-to-engage individuals, and influence participants' consent decisions.

Study design and setting

A randomized controlled trial within the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Cohort members were invited to re-enroll at age 18 and consent to linkage to their health and administrative records. Participants were randomized to receive one of eight combinations of three interventions: a prior-notification postcard or no contact, a standard or professionally designed consent pack, and a phone or postal reminder. The primary outcome was return of the consent form ("response"), with consent decision being the secondary outcome.

Results

SUBMITTER: Boyd A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4503222 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature