Participant Retention Strategies

After you’ve begun implementation of your new program, you’ll also want to think about a plan to keep participants engaged in the program and maximize completion rates. Here are a few retention strategies to consider:

• Provide reminders via phone calls, text messages, and/or emails
• Administer short surveys to obtain participant feedback and make adaptations in real-time to enhance satisfaction
• Offer meals or snacks during programming
• Provide incentives, like prize raffles, to drive engagement

“We find that people continue coming because we do offer an incentive, such as we feed you dinner, and it’s good food…people can’t really concentrate when they’re hungry.”

— DSMES implementer

Food banks have found that taking a person-centered approach to diabetes programs contributes to high retention rates and strengthens relationships with participants. The following qualities were noted as contributing factors you may want to consider:

• Welcoming, supportive, non-judgmental environment
• Fun and engaging instructors
• Patient and non-stigmatizing atmosphere
• Knowledgeable instructors
• Engaging activities
• Responsiveness and personalized attention
• Accessible communication styles and activities that “meet participants where they are”
• Goal setting and structured planning activities for diabetes management
• Inclusive and culturally sensitive approach (see call-out box on next page for more information)

“We work really hard to get people in and keeping people engaged. We want to keep it fun and exciting for them, so they want to come back.”

– DSMES implementer