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Table 2 Example of steps used to choose behaviour change techniques for retention interventions

From: Systematic Techniques to Enhance rEtention in Randomised controlled trials: the STEER study protocol

Barriers and enablers that require addressing

Within which theoretical domains do the barriers and enablers operate?

Which intervention components (behaviour change techniques) could overcome the barriers and enhance the enablers?

Low awareness of the trial requirements (i.e. number of follow-up questionnaires) amongst participants.

Knowledge

Technique: Instruction on how to perform a behaviour

Mode: Patient Information Leaflet, recruitment consultation

Content: Explicit communication of all follow-up questionnaires (providing personalised timeline of receipt), giving examples of content

Drop out of trial as start to feel well and do not feel the trial ‘monitoring’ (which may have motivated initial participation) is required

Beliefs about consequences

Technique: Salience of consequences

Mode: Telephone calls by trial team at key time points

Content: Explaining importance to trial overall of staying in. Explain commitment to trial and why full commitment across the timeline will maximise validity of trial findings, thereby benefiting future patients