Understanding Visit Retention in Clinical Trials: Key Insights for Practitioners
As a practitioner in the field of clinical trials, understanding the factors that influence participant retention is crucial. The research article titled "Influences on visit retention in clinical trials: Insights from qualitative research during the VOICE trial in Johannesburg, South Africa" provides valuable insights into this issue. The study highlights the importance of social context in shaping participation in HIV prevention trials, moving beyond a sole focus on individual characteristics.
Key Findings from the VOICE Trial
The VOICE trial, conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa, explored the social contextual factors that influenced adherence among female trial participants. The study revealed that women's kinship, social, and economic roles significantly shaped their ability to participate in the trial. Despite strong commitments to attend study visits, participants faced challenges due to clinic visit schedules and lengthy waiting times that interfered with their multiple obligations as caregivers, wage earners, housekeepers, and students.
Strategies for Improving Visit Retention
To enhance visit retention, practitioners can consider the following strategies:
- Flexible Scheduling: Adjust clinic visit schedules to accommodate participants' diverse responsibilities.
- Community Engagement: Foster a culture of active and engaged participation by involving community members and partners in the trial process.
- Supportive Environment: Create a welcoming and supportive clinic environment that respects participants' time and needs.
- Incentives and Rewards: Offer incentives for visit completion to motivate participants.
- Communication and Transparency: Maintain open communication with participants and their families to build trust and understanding.
Encouraging Further Research
The findings from the VOICE trial emphasize the need for further research into the social and cultural contexts that influence clinical trial participation. Practitioners are encouraged to explore these factors in their own trials to develop tailored strategies that improve visit retention and adherence.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Influences on visit retention in clinical trials: Insights from qualitative research during the VOICE trial in Johannesburg, South Africa.
