Tracking and Follow-Up Methods for Research On Homelessness

Abstract

To conduct comprehensive treatment effectiveness studies, evaluators must frequently track, locate and interview service recipients long after program participation has ended. For some populations, this is an arduous task. But, despite wide variations in retention rates, the published literature from follow-up studies rarely provides information on their tracking, locating, or interviewing techniques. The present report concerns a 12-month follow-up study of individuals who were homeless and mentally ill, which achieved a remarkably high retention rate—over 70%. Quantitative information is presented on client characteristics related to locatability and agreement to be interviewed, as well as qualitative information on successful techniques, from a focus group session with research interviewers.Wealth of research studies has been carried out in the last 10 years to describe the everincreasing problem of homelessness in this country. Investigators agree that what are now needed are demonstrations of innovative services to individuals who are homeless, especially those with alcohol, drug, and mental health (ADM) problems, with rigorous research components (Dennis et al. 1991). Desirable outcomes of interventions should include stabilization of functioning, acquisition of permanent housing, and linkage to ongoing, community-based services to maintain positive gains.

Developing measures to assess social support among homeless and poor people

“…Specifically, in order to more firmly establish the psychometric properties of these instruments, predictive validity correlations based on longitudinal research designs would appear to be a logical next step. A number of longitudinal studies of homeless people have recently been completed or are now under way (e.g., Cohen, Mowbray, Bybee, Yeich, Ribisl, & Freddolino, 1993;Koegel & Burnam, 1994;Shinn, 1996;Toro et al, 1997b;Wright, Allen, & Devine, 1993; also see Stojanovic, Weitzman, Shinn, Labay, &Williams, 1999 andZlotnick, Robertson, &Lahiff, 1999, both in this issue). Such studies will be able to explore the role of social support over time, thereby helping to untangle the correlational findings obtained here and in most other studies on social support.…”

Challenges in recruitment of research participants

“…Participants should be asked to sign release of information forms, allowing contact with these agencies and individuals in order to obtain updated details, if required. The participant's right to confidentiality is a key issue here and this principle should not be compromised (Cohen et al, 1993;BootsMiller et al, 1998;Nishimoto, 1998).…”

“…Failure to do this can lead to personal distress and have unknown effects on the validity of the research data. It can also contribute to increased costs resulting from burnout (Cohen et al, 1993). You need to be flexible, proactive and creative in finding solutions to problems that had not been anticipated.…”

Tracking and Incentivizing Substance Abusers in Longitudinal Research

“…Low follow-up rates in the drug abuse research field raise serious questions regarding the validity and generalizability of results (Cohen et al, 1993; Cranford et al, 2008; Hansen et al, 1990). In general, the more difficult subjects are to find at follow-up, the more impaired they are (with regard to drug use and criminality).…”