The successful implementation of HANDLS is attributable in part to the hands-on approach and open door policy of the principal investigators. They emphasized the importance of soliciting contributions from all personnel involved with the study. This motivated the staff to invest in the goals of our study resulting in staff flexibility and staff retention. The high level of satisfaction in the participant exit survey demonstrates the commitment of the staff members. Without an integrated and invested research staff, the successful implementation of the most tactically designed longitudinal study will be futile.
