Mind the gap: covariate constrained randomisation can protect against substantial power loss in parallel cluster randomised trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cluster randomised trials often randomise a small number of units, putting them at risk of poor balance of covariates across treatment arms. Covariate constrained randomisation aims to reduce this risk by removing the worst balanced allocations from consideration. This is known to provide only a small gain in power over that averaged under simple randomisation and is likely influenced by the number and prognostic effect of the covariates. We investigated the performance of covariate constrained randomisation in comparison to the worst balanced allocations, and considered the impact on the power of the prognostic effect and number of covariates adjusted for in the analysis.

Methods

Using simulation, we examined the Monte Carlo type I error rate and power of cross-s

SUBMITTER: Kristunas C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9006416 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature