ADHERENCE TO DATA COLLECTION IN REAL-WORLD STUDIES: THE IMPACT OF COMPENSATION AND ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Author(s)
Akosua Ofori, MPH, Sam Llewellyn, MPH.
Vitaccess, London, United Kingdom.
Vitaccess, London, United Kingdom.
OBJECTIVES: Adherence in real-world studies is critical for ensuring data completeness yet remains variable across study designs. This review evaluates how adherence to real-world data collection activities varies according to compensation, engagement strategies, and study design.
METHODS: Studies previously identified in a targeted review of PubMed and Google Scholar (2016-2026) were supplemented with additional publications on compensation in real-world studies. Data extracted included study design, compensation type and value, engagement strategies, and adherence outcomes.
RESULTS: Eight studies were included.
In cross-sectional studies (n=2), participants received cash vouchers ($30) or a cash card ($50), with compensation provided at study start or completion. Reminders (text, email, letters) were used to prompt survey completion, and adherence was 49.5% and 67.4%, respectively.
In longitudinal studies (n=6), compensation included vouchers and direct payments (n=2 each), as well as a cash card and lottery-based incentives (n=1 each). Three studies offered bonus payments for completing specific activities. Additional engagement strategies included reminders, data nuggets, peer-to-peer recruitment, and other communication approaches (n=2 each), while gamification was reported in one study.
Among studies with daily data collection (n=4; duration 2-12 weeks), total compensation ranged from $50 to $450, and adherence ranged from 31.0% to 97.0%. In contrast, longer-duration studies reported lower adherence: a weekly study over 2.5 years using dynamic compensation ($1 per survey plus bonuses) achieved 45.4% adherence, while a yearly study over 3 years offering prize-based incentives achieved 38.2%.
CONCLUSIONS: Adherence was lower in longitudinal studies despite compensation. While financial incentives and engagement strategies may support short-term adherence, they do not fully mitigate attrition. Optimized, evidence-based approaches are needed to improve data completeness and reduce attrition in real-world research.
METHODS: Studies previously identified in a targeted review of PubMed and Google Scholar (2016-2026) were supplemented with additional publications on compensation in real-world studies. Data extracted included study design, compensation type and value, engagement strategies, and adherence outcomes.
RESULTS: Eight studies were included.
In cross-sectional studies (n=2), participants received cash vouchers ($30) or a cash card ($50), with compensation provided at study start or completion. Reminders (text, email, letters) were used to prompt survey completion, and adherence was 49.5% and 67.4%, respectively.
In longitudinal studies (n=6), compensation included vouchers and direct payments (n=2 each), as well as a cash card and lottery-based incentives (n=1 each). Three studies offered bonus payments for completing specific activities. Additional engagement strategies included reminders, data nuggets, peer-to-peer recruitment, and other communication approaches (n=2 each), while gamification was reported in one study.
Among studies with daily data collection (n=4; duration 2-12 weeks), total compensation ranged from $50 to $450, and adherence ranged from 31.0% to 97.0%. In contrast, longer-duration studies reported lower adherence: a weekly study over 2.5 years using dynamic compensation ($1 per survey plus bonuses) achieved 45.4% adherence, while a yearly study over 3 years offering prize-based incentives achieved 38.2%.
CONCLUSIONS: Adherence was lower in longitudinal studies despite compensation. While financial incentives and engagement strategies may support short-term adherence, they do not fully mitigate attrition. Optimized, evidence-based approaches are needed to improve data completeness and reduce attrition in real-world research.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
PCR15
Topic
Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Patient Behavior and Incentives
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas