Research Fundamentals: Follow-up of Subjects in Clinical Trials: Addressing Subject Attrition |
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Authors: | Robert H Woolard MD Kathleen Carty LICSW Philip Wirtz PhD Richard Longabaugh EdD Ted D Nirenberg PhD P Allison Minugh PhD Bruce Becker MD MPH Patrick R Clifford PhD |
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Institution: | Department of Emergency Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI 02903, USA. rwoolard@lifespan.org |
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Abstract: | Many published clinical trials have less than adequate follow-up. When conducting a clinical trial, researchers attempt to minimize data loss; however, some data may not be collected, particularly when subjects are lost to follow-up. Careful planning of research protocols, including comprehensive initial data collection, identification of locators, flexible scheduling, systematic subject tracking, monitoring subject loss, and systematically approaching problem cases can ensure high follow-up rates. This article presents a compendium of techniques and procedures that researchers can use to enhance follow-up and address attrition in their studies. Finally, this article outlines statistical techniques that can be used to address the effects of missing data, particularly when patients are lost to follow-up. |
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Keywords: | attrition follow-up research methodology alcohol intoxication injury prevention missing data |
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