A research article by Alexa Stuifbergen, PhD, RN, FAAN, the James R. Dougherty Jr. Centennial Professor at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, along with co-authors Heather Becker, PhD, research scientist; Vicki Kullberg, social science/humanities research associate IV; Shelli Kesler, PhD, the Dr. Mary Louise Adams Endowed Professor in Oncology Nursing; and Oxana Palesh, PhD, MPH, professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center, was recently published in the Western Journal of Nursing Research (WJNR) by Sage Journals.
The article “Nurturing Longitudinal Samples 2.0” explores strategies to manage longitudinal research using examples from a 25-year study on multiple sclerosis and a 10-year follow-up of breast cancer survivors.
The authors report that key tactics for years-long studies include building a strong infrastructure, reducing participant burden, and enhancing the benefits of participation.
By implementing these methods, researchers can reduce attrition and leverage the strengths of longitudinal studies for meaningful and reliable results.