Strategies to Maximize Data Collection Response Rates in a Randomized Control Trial Focused on Children with Medical Complexity.

INTRODUCTION: Obtaining complete and timely subject data is key to the success of clinical trials, particularly for studies requiring data collected from subjects at home or other remote sites. A multifaceted strategy for data collection in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) focused on care coordination for children with medical complexity is described. The influences of data collection mode, incentives, and study group membership on subject response patterns are analyzed. Data collection included monthly healthcare service utilization (HCSU) calendars and annual surveys focused on care coordination outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty-three families were enrolled in the 30-month TeleFamilies RCT. Subjects were 2-15 years of age at enrollment. HCSU data were collected by parent/guardian self-report using mail, e-mail, telephone, or texting. Surveys were collected by mail. Incentives were provided for completed surveys after 8 months to improve collection returns. Outcome measures were the number of HCSU calendars and surveys returned, the return interval, data collection mode, and incentive impact. RESULTS: Return rates of 90% for HCSU calendars and 82% for annual surveys were achieved. Mean return intervals were 72 and 65 days for HCSU and surveys, respectively. Survey response increased from 55% to 95% after introduction of a gift card and added research staff. CONCLUSIONS: High return rates for HCSU calendars and health-related surveys are attainable but required a flexible and personnel-intensive approach to collection methods. Family preference for data collection approach should be obtained at enrollment, should be modified as needed, and requires flexible options, training, intensive staff/family interaction, and patience.

Functional outcome after revision hip arthroplasty: a metaanalysis.

The current study systematically reviews the literature describing patient outcomes after revision total hip arthroplasties using conventional global hip score ratings. Two thousand one hundred thirty-seven English-language articles published from 1966 through 2000 were identified through a computerized literature search and bibliography review. A three-step filter process was used to identify articles to be included in the metaanalysis. Forty-two articles with 2578 patients had data abstracted for the analysis. Metaanalysis of global hip scores was done using a fixed effects model with the assumption that the variances of each measurement were identical across studies. Thirty-nine articles reporting on 46 cohorts progressed through three filters and went to data extraction and analysis. Revision total hip arthroplasty is a reasonably safe and effective procedure for failed hip replacement Based on this exploratory analysis revision hip procedures seem to have comparable longevity, to primary hip replacement but appear to have slightly lower functional outcome (as measured by global hip scores), and slightly higher morbidity and mortality rates than primary procedures. Inconsistent reporting in the original studies limited exploration of other factors that may have affected outcomes.