Balance algorithm for cluster randomized trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Within cluster randomized trials no algorithms exist to generate a full enumeration of a block randomization, balancing for covariates across treatment arms. Furthermore, often for practical reasons multiple blocks are required to fully randomize a study, which may not have been well balanced within blocks.

Results

We present a convenient and easy to use randomization tool to undertake allocation concealed block randomization. Our algorithm highlights allocations that minimize imbalance between treatment groups across multiple baseline covariates. We demonstrate the algorithm using a cluster randomized trial in primary care (the PRE-EMPT Study) and show that the software incorporates a trade off between independent random allocations that were likely to be imbalan

SUBMITTER: Carter BR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2588445 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature