OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the effects on engagement of different configurations of a smartphone-based data collection platform that leverages the principles of behavioral science, employing a patient-centric user interface to improve compliance and retention in clinical trials.

METHODS: Compare retention in three populations: an international clinical trial, a representative sample in a US-based longitudinal study, and a convenience sample of US research participants. Groups used the same data collection platform with different patterns of motivators and incentives.

RESULTS: Participants in the clinical trial received positive feedback for daily diary completion and rewards in an app-based currency that could be used to customize the user experience, but no external incentives. At the end of the 12-week trial, retention in this population was 87%. The participants in the longitudinal study earned a modest financial incentive at the end of each month if all required surveys and behavioral tasks had been completed, in addition to the in-app motivators. After 6 months, retention in this population was 80%, with 96% of those still participating in the study completing 100% of required instruments. The convenience sample earned a small financial incentive upon completion of each instrument, rather than at the end of the month as well as the in-app motivators. After 6 months, 87% of participants were retained and adherence in this population was 95%.

CONCLUSIONS: The three studies described here varied widely in their participant population and incentive structure, but all three had retention and adherence well above the industry average. Although the differences in the participant populations in these three studies limit the quantitative comparisons that can be made, these results suggest that a smartphone-based data collection platform that employs a patient-centric user interface and the principles of behavioral science can improve participant retention and adherence in research studies.