Tracing and recruiting a cohort with community acquired hepatitis 25 years later

Abstract

Objective: We describe the methods used to trace and recruit a cohort (including injecting drug users) 25 years after admission to hospital in Melbourne with hepatitis. Methods: Information recorded in the original medical record was used for tracing purposes. Subjects were located using the electoral roll, CD-ROM telephone directory, the Health Insurance Commission database, Hepatitis Foundation newsletters, advertising and features in the press and local radio. Other approaches included contacting local medical officer or next of kin from the original admission, and the National Death Registry. Results: Tracing was undertaken on all members of the cohort; two-thirds were located. Methods w..