Internal and external validity of cluster randomised trials: systematic review of recent trials.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To assess aspects of the internal validity of recently published cluster randomised trials and explore the reporting of information useful in assessing the external validity of these trials.

Design

Review of 34 cluster randomised trials in primary care published in 2004 and 2005 in seven journals (British Medical Journal, British Journal of General Practice, Family Practice, Preventive Medicine, Annals of Internal Medicine, Journal of General Internal Medicine, Pediatrics).

Data sources

National Library of Medicine (Medline) via PubMed.

Data extraction

To assess aspects of internal validity we extracted data on appropriateness of sample size calculations and analyses, methods of identifying and recruiting individual participants, and blinding. To exp

SUBMITTER: Eldridge S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2323095 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature