The Use of Technology in Participant Tracking and Study Retention: Lessons Learned From a Clinical Trials Network Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The growing use of newer communication and Internet technologies, even among low-income and transient populations, require research staff to update their outreach strategies to ensure high follow-up and participant retention rates. This paper presents the views of research assistants on the use of cell phones and the Internet to track participants in a multisite randomized trial of substance use disorder treatment.

Methods

Preinterview questionnaires exploring tracking and other study-related activities were collected from 21 research staff across the 10 participating US sites. Data were then used to construct a semistructured interview guide that, in turn, was used to interview 12 of the same staff members. The questionnaires and interview data were entered in At

SUBMITTER: Mitchell SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4532645 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature