Reporting of key methodological and ethical aspects of cluster trials in hemodialysis require improvement: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The hemodialysis setting is suitable for trials that use cluster randomization, where intact groups of individuals are randomized. However, cluster randomized trials (CRTs) are complicated in their design, analysis, and reporting and can pose ethical challenges. We reviewed CRTs in the hemodialysis setting with respect to reporting of key methodological and ethical issues.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of CRTs in the hemodialysis setting, published in English, between 2000 and 2019, and indexed in MEDLINE or Embase. Two reviewers extracted data, and study results were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

We identified 26 completed CRTs and five study protocols of CRTs. These studies randomized hemodialysis centers (n = 17, 55%), hemod

SUBMITTER: Al-Jaishi AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7456003 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature