Methodology and reporting characteristics of studies using interrupted time series design in healthcare.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard when evaluating the causal effects of healthcare interventions. When RCTs cannot be used (e.g. ethically difficult), the interrupted time series (ITS) design is a possible alternative. ITS is one of the strongest quasi-experimental designs. The aim of this methodological study was to describe how ITS designs were being used, the design characteristics, and reporting in the healthcare setting.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE for reports of ITS designs published in 2015 which had a minimum of two data points collected pre-intervention and one post-intervention. There was no restriction on participants, language of study, or type of outcome. Data were summarised using appropriate summary statistics.

SUBMITTER: Hudson J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6609377 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature