Evidence into practice: protocol for a new mixed-methods approach to explore the relationship between trials evidence and clinical practice through systematic identification and analysis of articles citing randomised controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) provide high-quality evidence to inform practice. However, much routine care is not based on available RCT evidence. Understanding this disconnect may improve trial design, reporting and implementation. Published literature commenting on RCTs may yield relevant insights. This protocol presents a new approach examining how researchers understand, contextualise and use evidence from RCTs, through analysis of letters, editorials and discussion pieces citing individual RCTs. Surgical case studies will illustrate its ability to identify wide-ranging factors influencing application of trials evidence.

Methods and analysis

In-depth study of published literature will explore written responses to RCTs. After purposefully selecting indi

SUBMITTER: Byrne BE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6231588 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature