Dataset Information

The use of the cluster randomized crossover design in clinical trials: protocol for a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The cluster randomized crossover (CRXO) design is gaining popularity in trial settings where individual randomization or parallel group cluster randomization is not feasible or practical. In a CRXO trial, not only are clusters of individuals rather than individuals themselves randomized to trial arms, but also each cluster participates in each arm of the trial at least once in separate periods of time.We will review publications of clinical trials undertaken in humans that have used the CRXO design. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize, as reported: the motivations for using the CRXO design, the values of the CRXO design parameters, the justification and methodology for the sample size calculations and analyses, and the quality of reporting the CRXO design aspects.

Methods/design

We will identify reports of CRXO trials by systematically searching MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Methodology Register, EMBASE, and CINAHL Plus. In addition, we will search for methodological articles that describe the CRXO design and conduct citation searches to identify any further CRXO trials. The references of all eligible trials will also be searched. We will screen the identified abstracts, and retrieve and assess for inclusion the full text for any potentially relevant articles. Data will be extracted from the full text independently by two reviewers. Descriptive summary statistics will be presented for the extracted data.

Discussion

This systematic review will inform both researchers addressing CRXO methodology and trialists considering implementing the design. The results will allow focused methodological research of the CRXO design, provide practical examples for researchers of how CRXO trials have been conducted, including any shortcomings, and highlight areas where reporting and conduct may be improved.

SUBMITTER: Arnup SJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4138528 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

The use of the cluster randomized crossover design in clinical trials: protocol for a systematic review.

Arnup Sarah J SJ Forbes Andrew B AB Kahan Brennan C BC Morgan Katy E KE McDonald Steve S McKenzie Joanne E JE

Systematic reviews 20140812

<h4>Background</h4>The cluster randomized crossover (CRXO) design is gaining popularity in trial settings where individual randomization or parallel group cluster randomization is not feasible or practical. In a CRXO trial, not only are clusters of individuals rather than individuals themselves randomized to trial arms, but also each cluster participates in each arm of the trial at least once in separate periods of time.We will review publications of clinical trials undertaken in humans that hav ...[more]

PMID: 25115725

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Project description:BackgroundIn cluster randomized crossover (CRXO) trials, groups of participants (i.e., clusters) are randomly allocated to receive a sequence of interventions over time (i.e., cluster periods). CRXO trials are becoming more comment when they are feasible, as they require fewer clusters than parallel group cluster randomized trials. However, CRXO trials have not been frequently used in orthopedic fracture trials and represent a novel methodological application within the field. To disseminate the early knowledge gained from our experience initiating two cluster randomized crossover trials, we describe our process for the identification and selection of the orthopedic practices (i.e., clusters) participating in the PREP-IT program and present data to describe their key characteristics.MethodsThe PREP-IT program comprises two ongoing pragmatic cluster randomized crossover trials (Aqueous-PREP and PREPARE) which compare the effect of iodophor versus chlorhexidine solutions on surgical site infection and unplanned fracture-related reoperations in patients undergoing operative fracture management. We describe the process we used to identify and select orthopedic practices (clusters) for the PREP-IT trials, along with their characteristics.ResultsWe identified 58 potential orthopedic practices for inclusion in the PREP-IT trials. After screening each practice for eligibility, we selected 30 practices for participation and randomized each to a sequence of interventions (15 for Aqueous-PREP and 20 for PREPARE). The majority of orthopedic practices included in the Aqueous-PREP and PREPARE trials were situated in level I trauma centers (100% and 87%, respectively). Orthopedic practices in the Aqueous-PREP trial operatively treated a median of 149 open fracture patients per year, included a median of 11 orthopedic surgeons, and had access to a median of 5 infection preventionists. Orthopedic practices in the PREPARE trial treated a median of 142 open fracture and 1090 closed fracture patients per year, included a median of 7.5 orthopedic surgeons, and had access to a median of 6 infection preventionists.ConclusionsThe PREP-IT trials provide an example of how to follow the reporting standards for cluster randomized crossover trials by providing a clear definition of the cluster unit, a thorough description of the cluster identification and selection process, and sufficient description of key cluster characteristics.Trial registrationBoth trials are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (A-PREP: NCT03385304 December 28, 2017, and PREPARE: NCT03523962 May 14, 2018).

Project description:BackgroundWearable biometric monitoring devices (BMDs) have the potential to transform the conduct of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by shifting the collection of outcome data from single measurements at predefined time points to dense continuous measurements.MethodsMethodological systematic review to understand how recent RCTs used BMDs to measure outcomes and to describe the reporting of these RCTs. Electronic search was performed in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and EMBASE and completed a page-by-page hand search in five leading medical journals between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. Three reviewers independently extracted all primary and secondary outcomes collected using BMDs, and assessed (1) the definitions used to summarize BMD outcome data; (2) whether the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of sensors was reported; (3) the discrepancy with outcomes prespecified in public clinical trial registries; and (4) the methods used to manage missing and incomplete BMD outcome data.ResultsOf the 4562 records screened, 75 RCTs were eligible. Among them, 24% tested a pharmacological intervention and 57% used an inertial measurement sensor to measure physical activity. Included trials involved 464 outcomes (average of 6 [SD = 8] outcomes per trial). In total, 35 trials used a BMD to measure a primary outcome. Several issues affected the value and transparency of trials using BMDs to measure outcomes. First, the definition of outcomes used in the trials was highly heterogeneous (e.g., 21 diabetes trials had 266 outcomes and 153 had different unique definitions to measure diabetes control), which limited the combination and comparison of results. Second, information on the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of sensors used was lacking in 74% of trials. Third, half (53%) of the outcomes measured with BMDs had not been prespecified, with a high risk of outcome reporting bias. Finally, reporting on the management of incomplete outcome data (e.g., due to suboptimal compliance with the BMD) was absent in 68% of RCTs.ConclusionsUse of BMDs to measure outcomes is becoming the norm rather than the exception in many fields. Yet, trialists need to account for several methodological issues when specifying and conducting RCTs using these novel tools.

Dataset Information

The use of the cluster randomized crossover design in clinical trials: protocol for a systematic review.

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Publications

The use of the cluster randomized crossover design in clinical trials: protocol for a systematic review.

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