Effective follow-up strategies with a homeless substance abuse treatment population

Although achieving an 80% follow-up rate is the recommended goal for funded research and evaluation, there is considerable variation across published studies in actual follow-up rates. Follow-up rates in the recent literature range from 40% to 98% and identify multiple complications in locating research participants, including multiple relocations, inaccurate contact information, and lack of response. Challenges are further exacerbated by population type and geographical region. This study reports procedures that led to a successful follow-up endeavor with a largely transient or homeless substance abuse treatment population, utilizing the UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs Tracking Model. Given the transience of participants, significant difficulties arose even in securing contact information, suggesting that additional efforts would be needed to assure follow-up success. Thus, over twenty innovative strategies were utilized to locate participants. Ensuing tracing efforts led to a high success rate (82.1%) in locating participants, especially noteworthy given that over half the sample was homeless at baseline. The average number of contacts made for each participant was 5.14 (SD=5.24). Standard means of reaching participants were by phone, followed by personal letters, and visits to common locations where the participant reported spending time. The total amount of staff time and cost for conducting the follow-up interviews was substantial. Findings support the importance of developing effective and innovative tracking systems, creating realistic goals for completion rates, and utilizing adequate incentives. Given current funding mandates related to follow-up compliance rates and predetermined time frames, the need for continued study and documentation of successful strategies is crucial.