Robust analysis of stepped wedge trials using composite likelihood models.

ABSTRACT: Stepped wedge trials (SWTs) are a type of cluster randomized trial that involve repeated measures on clusters and design-induced confounding between time and treatment. Although mixed models are commonly used to analyze SWTs, they are susceptible to misspecification particularly for cluster-longitudinal designs such as SWTs. Mixed model estimation leverages both "horizontal" or within-cluster information and "vertical" or between-cluster information. To use horizontal information in a mixed model, both the mean model and correlation structure must be correctly specified or accounted for, since time is confounded with treatment and measurements are likely correlated within clusters. Alternative non-parametric methods have been proposed that use only vertical information; these are more robu

SUBMITTER: Voldal EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11257102 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature