Design characteristics of Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trials (SMARTs) for human health: a scoping review of studies between 2009-2024.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To characterize the reporting practices of sequential multiple assignment randomized trials (SMARTs) in human health research.

Design

Scoping review of protocol and primary analysis papers describing SMARTs published between January 2009 and January 2024.

Background

SMARTs are innovative trial designs that allow for multiple stages of randomization to treatment based on a patient's responses to previous treatments. They are uniquely designed to develop sequential adaptive interventions (dynamic treatment regimes) to support clinical decision-making over time. Previous reviews have identified inconsistencies in how the design, implementation, and results have been reported in published studies. A comprehensive assessment of SMART reporting practices is lackin

SUBMITTER: Freeman NLB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12155047 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature