Implementation of a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial to evaluate a hospital mobility program.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Stepped wedge cluster randomized trials (SW-CRT) are increasingly used to evaluate new clinical programs, yet there is limited guidance on practical aspects of applying this design. We report our early experiences conducting a SW-CRT to examine an inpatient mobility program (STRIDE) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). We provide recommendations for future research using this design to evaluate clinical programs.

Methods

Based on data from study records and reflections from the investigator team, we describe and assess the design and initial stages of a SW-CRT, from site recruitment to program launch in 8 VHA hospitals.

Results

Site recruitment consisted of thirty 1-h conference calls with representatives from 22 individual VAs who expressed interes

SUBMITTER: Hastings SN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7574435 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature