Retention Plan

The retention plan describes the process and methods that will be used in the study to retain study participation.

Why is a retention plan necessary?

Retention ensures that investigators obtain enough data to answer the research question. The cost of retention is also significantly lower than the cost of recruiting new participants.

To have adequate retention, participants must:

  • Undergo study procedures at the required intervals.
  • Complete required study questionnaires.
  • Participate in any activities required by the study protocol.
  • Attend follow-up visits as required.

Strategies for retention include establishing and maintaining rapport and communication with participants, establishing a support group for participants, providing remuneration as permitted by the budget, ensuring pleasant study visits, and ensuring availability of point of contact.

Source: Recruitment. (n.d.). University of Mississippi Medical Center. Retrieved January 9, 2022, from https://umc.edu/Research/Research-Offices/Clinical-Trials/Researchers/Road-Map/Study-Conduct/Participant-Recruitment/Recruitment.html