Introduction to Epidemiology 6th Edition by Ray M Merrill

Exercise 10

What study design minimizes bias resulting from loss to follow-up?

Step 1 of 3

For controlling placebo type of studies, the run-in design plays a pivotal role in minimizing bias that is resulted from loss to follow-up. In run-in design, all participants in the cohort are specifically placed on a placebo that is followed for some interval of time, usually a week or year. Those individuals who remain in the study are randomly assigned to seek the treatment process or placebo arm of the study.