Abstract Details

Title Effect of Improved Management Strategies on Study Retention Rates

Topic Practice, Policy, and Ethics

Presentation(s) P8 - Poster Session 8 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 7-008

Objective To examine the effects of improved management strategies on study retention rates.

Background Average national dropout rates of participants enrolled in a research trial are reported to be 3%. Factors contributing to loss of stroke patient retention include the lack of understanding of study expectations, lack of relationship building between patient and clinical research team, and inefficient management processes. There has been little research into interventions to improve retention. Focusing on these 3 factors may increase the likelihood of stroke patients adhering to and completing participation in stroke trials. As study trials increased, we recognized the need to implement new trial management strategies and did so in January 2016.

Design/Methods Stroke trial metrics were compared between the pre-implementation period (7/1/2012–12/31/2015) and a post-implementation period (1/7/2016–7/1/2019). The size of clinical research team personnel remained the same across the two periods: 4 coordinators and 9 physicians. Standardization of enrollment processes in stroke trials occurred during the post-implementation period. Three key aspects addressed in the post-implementation period were building rapport, setting realistic expectations, and properly educating patient and family members. The clinical research team incorporated these factors when approaching patients regardless of type of stroke trial (acute, subacute, or observational).

Results During the pre-implementation period, the Stroke Center research team managed 8 stroke studies with 52 patients consented with average trial duration of 23 months(SD); in the post-implementation period, there were 15 studies with 99 patients consented, with average trial duration of 22 months(SD). Retention improved after the intervention from a mean (SD) retention rate of 79.5 (29.7)%. to 90.8 (17.2)%. Although this difference was not significant, it represented meaningful change to the research staff and helped us achieve StrokeNet retention goals.

Conclusions Implementation of effective management strategies leads to higher retention rates of stroke patients despite no change in the size of the clinical research team.

Authors/Disclosures
PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Ka-Ho Wong (U of U Neurology Clinic)	The institution of Mr. Wong has received research support from The Sumaira Foundation . The institution of Mr. Wong has received research support from The Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association.
	No disclosure on file
Lee S. Chung, MD (University of Utah)	Dr. Chung has nothing to disclose.
Adam De Havenon, MD, F�鶹��ýӳ�� (Yale University)	Dr. De Havenon has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novo Nordisk. Dr. De Havenon has or had stock in Certus.Dr. De Havenon has or had stock in TitinKM. The institution of Dr. De Havenon has received research support from NIH/NINDS. Dr. De Havenon has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
L D. DeWitt, MD (Department of Neurology, CNC)	Dr. DeWitt has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Biogen.
Peter Hannon, MD, F�鶹��ýӳ��	Dr. Hannon has nothing to disclose.
Vivek Reddy, MD (University of Utah)	Dr. Reddy has nothing to disclose.
Jennifer J. Majersik, MD, F�鶹��ýӳ�� (University of Utah)	Dr. Majersik has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Stroke. The institution of Dr. Majersik has received research support from NIH/NINDS. The institution of Dr. Majersik has received research support from NIH/NCATS.

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