Developing relationships and retaining participants in a longitudinal study

Abstract

The strength and success of any research project lies in the participant’s belief that their time and contribution is valued and worthwhile. Developing and maintaining relationships with participants in longitudinal research projects are crucial elements to ensuring the project will meet its aims and objectives. Investing time and resources in the maintenance of the cohort will reward the project with motivated participants, encourage high response rates, lower attrition rates and a representative sample. This paper outlines the methods used in one longitudinal cohort study to develop sustainable relationships with participants.