Ivan Martin and Ryan Babich “Maximizing Participant Retention in Clinical Studies: Key Lessons Learned From an E-Cigarette Cessation Study”
Mentor: Jovan Gwon, Nursing, Nursing (School of)
Poster #10
Retention is a critical challenge in clinical research, as participant dropout can compromise data integrity, increase costs, and extend study timelines. This study examines effective retention strategies in an ongoing e-cigarette cessation intervention targeting young adults in rural areas. Through direct experience managing participant enrollment and engagement, we identified best practices to enhance retention and ensure study completion. To achieve this, we implemented a multifaceted approach that included personalized communication, consistent follow-ups, and participant incentives. Key findings highlight that regularly scheduled reminders were the most effective method for maintaining participant engagement, significantly reducing missed appointments. Monetary compensation proved highly influential in sustaining participation by mitigating barriers such as time constraints. Additionally, utilizing multiple communication channels, including text messages, emails, and calendar invites, improved response rates by accommodating participants’ preferred modes of interaction. Personalized follow-ups after missed meetings further reinforced participant commitment by demonstrating the value of their involvement. These results emphasize the importance of tailored retention strategies in clinical research, particularly for rural populations where engagement challenges may be more pronounced. Future studies can adapt and refine these approaches to diverse research settings, ultimately enhancing participant adherence and improving study outcomes.