Conducting Research in Different Alcohol Centres: achieving a follow-up rate of ninety-three percent

Abstract

Abstract Most of research into the evaluation of alcohol treatment centres has been conducted in research centres attached to medical schools. This paper describes the experiences of conducting evaluative research in different treatment centres such as the voluntary sector, private sector and general hospital wards. The focus is upon those steps required to facilitate research in these settings. The author concludes that the aim should be to develop a collaborative relationship between the researcher and treatment settings, whereby the research is not seen as a disruptive adjunct. This research was part of a twelve-month longitudinal study and a follow-up rate of 93% was achieved. The steps followed to accomplish this are described, together with notes on how the experiences of the researcher add to the literature. Overall, it can be concluded from this research that it is possible to follow up alcohol-dependent subjects from different treatment settings and get robust data, but to do so requires the cultivation of relationships with key people together with adequate time and financial resources. Other key qualities required are flexibility, enthusiasm, and tenacity.