An ounce of prevention: A pre-randomization protocol to improve retention in substance use disorder clinical trials

Background Missing data in substance use disorder (SUD) research pose a significant threat to internal validity. Participants terminate involvement or become less likely to attend intervention and research visits for many reasons, which should be addressed prior to becoming problematic. During a 9-month study targeting stimulant abuse, early dropouts and participant reported attendance barriers led to implementing a structured, pre-randomization protocol with participants about retention and solution-focused strategies (the “Fireside Chat”). Our aim is to outline this approach and present data on intervention participation and research visit attendance after implementation. Methods/design STimulant Reduction using Dosed Exercise (STRIDE) was a two-arm, multisite randomized clinical trial testing treatment-as-usual for stimulant abuse/dependence augmented by Exercise or Health Education. For both groups, study intervention visits at the site were scheduled 3/week for 12 weeks followed by 1/week for 24 weeks. During The Chat, research staff thoroughly reviewed participants' expectations, and barriers and solutions to retention. Fifteen participants were randomized (to Exercise or Health Education) prior to and fourteen were randomized after Chat implementation. Intervention and monthly follow-up attendance (before and after implementation) were compared at the site (N = 29) that developed and rigorously implemented The Chat. Results Individuals who participated in The Chat (n = 14) attended significantly more intervention visits during weeks 1–12 (p < 0.001) and weeks 13–36 (p < 0.05) and attended more research visits (p < 0.001). Discussion Proactive discussion of expectations and barriers prior to randomization was associated with greater study attendance. SUD researchers should consider tailoring this approach to suit their needs. Further investigation is warranted.