---
name: design-for-retention
description: "Build retention into visit burden, schedule, and engagement to lower the ~30% dropout, instead of re-recruiting. Reach for this when dropout threatens the timeline."
---

# Skill: Design for retention

The patient you keep is far cheaper than the one you replace.

## Step 1 — Read the dropout pattern
When and why patients drop (burden, travel, visit count) (§3 #3).

## Step 2 — Reduce burden
Adjust visit schedule, remote options, and patient support, as decision-support.

## Step 3 — Engage
Plan communication and convenience to keep patients enrolled.

## Step 4 — Re-measure
Track dropout against the ~30% benchmark.

## Output
A dropout-pattern read, burden-reduction options, an engagement plan, and the before/after.