Peer Review Report For: Timing and value of participant vouchers to improve questionnaire return rates in the STADIA (STAndardised Diagnostic Assessment for children and adolescents with emotional difficulties) Trial [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 2 not approved]

Le résumé fourni par la source

Background The STADIA trial evaluated the effectiveness of a standardised diagnostic assessment tool for children and young people (CYP) referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Six- and 12-month follow-up questionnaires were completed by either CYP, parents/carers or both depending on the CYP’s age. A voucher was given upon completion of the questionnaires. A Study Within A Trial (SWAT) was embedded to investigate the effect of voucher timing and value on questionnaire return. Methods Participants were randomly allocated to either: (A) receive a £10 voucher at each time point, conditional on completion of the questionnaire or (B) a £20 voucher on completion of their 12-month questionnaire. Outcomes included return of at least one questionnaire, questionnaire return at both 6- and 12-month follow-up, number of questionnaires returned (0,1,2) and time from randomisation to questionnaire return. Parent/carers, 11–15-year-olds and 16–17-year-olds were analysed separately. For each, between group comparisons were presented for each outcome along with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results 284 participants were recruited (142 per arm). There was evidence of increased questionnaire return at both time points when giving two £10 vouchers, for 11–15-year-olds (adjusted risk ratio (ARR): 1.72 (95% confidence interval (CI):1.15 to 2.56)) and parents/carers (ARR 1.18 (95% CI:1.01 to 1.38)) but not for 16–17-year-olds (ARR 1.01 (95% CI:0.58 to 1.75)). Similarly, an increased number of questionnaires were returned for 11–15-year-olds (common odds ratio (COR): 3.25: (95% CI:1.41 to 7.52)) and parents/carers (COR 1.95 (95% CI:1.09 to 3.47)) but not for 16–17-year-olds (COR 1.18 (95% CI:0.29 to 4.77)). Discussion Smaller but regular incentives may increase questionnaire return within a trial rather than larger incentives at the end of follow-up. However, due to the small sample size, further research is required to confirm these findings both in the study population and wider population.

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