Strategies to Optimize Follow-Up in Surgical Trials
摘要
When follow-up is lost, there is an imposed bias on the research. Many factors, such as age, sex, distance, language barriers, and health literacy all contribute to the reduction of follow-up, in turn losing data, which skews the overall results. In order to optimize follow-up, researchers suggest that there be constant communication between the patient and study team, organization of study procedures and follow-up visits, and commitment from all parties in the research process. These strategies foster a welcoming environment and contribute to the preservation and accuracy of a trial’s outcome.