The conduct of follow-up and offsite assessments in the NIDA CTN: A toolkit for investigators & research teams.
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n September 2011, the CTN Executive Committee (EC) discussed the need to attain high follow-up rates in CTN studies. For some studies such activity may involve engaging study participants in locations other than the research site. The EC recommended formation of a Taskforce to examine suggested best practices for follow-up and off-site procedures, with the goal of compiling a toolkit that includes principles to follow, guidelines, and supporting materials.
The Taskforce prepared this following Toolkit, organized as follows:
- The Conduct of Follow-up Assessments in the NIDA CTN: Principles to Follow.
- Follow-up in the Community- A Guide for CTN Investigators and Research Teams, a guide for CTN investigators, includes items to consider during protocol development when planning for off-site follow-up activities, and a tool for research teams during study implementation.
- Safety Precautions for CTN Field Staff – Guide and checklist for staff working in the field.
- Examples of Strategies Implemented to Facilitate Follow-up- provides key ingredients/strategies used in two CTN trials
- CTN 0032 HIV Rapid Testing and Counseling in Drug Abuse Treatment Programs in the U.S.
- CTN 0044 Web-delivery of Evidence-Based, Psychosocial Treatment for Substance Use Disorders.
The Taskforce recognized that all studies are different and may require different strategies; however, this Toolkit may be used by investigators and research staff as a guide for general best practices, as well as preparation for CTN studies that include off-site or community follow-up. Above all, this Toolkit emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and planning in achieving meaningful follow-up rates.
Related protocols: CTN-0032, CTN-0044