Follow-up and disposition
Track visits losses and completion
Missed measurements, withdrawal, loss of contact, treatment cessation and death have different meanings. Retain timing and reasons, and match the handling of each event to the estimand.
Flow diagram
Steps
Begin observation
Define enrolled population and follow-up start.
Conduct scheduled assessments
Record visit windows, retention contacts and protocol procedures.
Document losses and deviations
Distinguish missed visits, withdrawal, loss to follow-up and death.
Define completion and censoring
Specify end-of-observation rules and competing events.
Reconcile participant status
Use mutually exclusive disposition groups within each defined time point.
Follow-up and disposition
End flow
Tables and supporting information
Visit and retention plan
Plan retention and measurements.
Disposition register
Keep reasons and dates blank until observed.