MediciGlobal

A universal challenge of conducting long-term pediatric studies is the constant growth and development of the young patient; an issue not encountered with retention programs designed for adult populations. Materials developed to support the participation of children in clinical research must be designed with a keen awareness for the rate of continuous developmental change. Depending on the length of the study, multi-year pediatric protocols may require the recruitment and retention of children ranging in age from 2 to 17 years. The cognitive and physical stages of development represented by this group span from the point a child begins to talk through adolescence and into adulthood. Retention materials must follow the child through study participation and be targeted according to development.