Dropout
Dropout
Dropout (pronounced: /ˈdrɒpaʊt/) is a term used in various fields, including medicine, neuroscience, and machine learning. In the medical context, dropout refers to a participant's decision to quit a clinical trial or study before its completion.
Etymology
The term "dropout" originates from the mid-20th century, where it was used to describe students who did not complete their education. The term was later adopted in the medical field to describe participants who leave a study prematurely.
In Medicine
In clinical research, dropout is a significant concern as it can lead to bias in the study results. This is because the participants who drop out might be different in some way from those who complete the study, leading to skewed results. Various strategies are employed to minimize dropout rates, including ensuring participant comfort, maintaining regular communication, and offering incentives for participation.
Related Terms
- Attrition (research): This term is often used interchangeably with dropout in the context of clinical research. However, attrition refers more broadly to the loss of participants for any reason, not just voluntary withdrawal.
- Compliance (medicine): Compliance, or adherence, refers to the degree to which a patient correctly follows medical advice or treatment protocols. Poor compliance can lead to increased dropout rates in clinical trials.
- Retention (research): Retention refers to the ability of a study to keep its participants until the end. High retention rates are desirable in clinical research to ensure the validity and reliability of the study results.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dropout
- Wikipedia's article - Dropout
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