Tracing lost research participants

Area of Science:

• * Longitudinal study methodologies
• * Participant retention strategies
• * Research participant tracing

Background:

• * Maintaining contact with participants in long-term research is challenging.
• * Loss of contact can compromise study validity and data integrity.
• * Effective participant tracing is crucial for longitudinal study success.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To identify optimal search strategies for locating lost research participants.
• * To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different re-contact methods.
• * To provide insights for improving participant retention in longitudinal research.

Main Methods:

• * Review of search strategies employed over a 13-year longitudinal study.
• * Analysis of information utility for tracing 'lost' participants.
• * Assessment of re-establishment of contact methods, focusing on cost-effectiveness.

Main Results:

• * Accurate names and next of kin records were the most valuable information for tracing participants.
• * Telephone contact was identified as the most cost-effective method for re-establishing communication.
• * Successful re-engagement strategies are vital for long-term research continuity.

Conclusions:

• * Robust participant data management, including accurate personal details and next of kin, is essential for longitudinal study success.
• * Prioritizing telephone contact can significantly enhance the cost-effectiveness of participant re-engagement efforts.
• * Implementing effective tracing and re-contact protocols strengthens research integrity and data completeness.