Cost-Effectiveness Analysis to Inform Randomized Controlled Trial Design in Chronic Pain Research: Methods for Guiding Decisions on the Addition of a Run-In Period.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Run-In (RI) periods can be used to improve the validity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but their utility in Chronic Pain (CP) RCTs is debated. Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) methods are commonly used in evaluating the results of RCTs, but they are seldom used for designing RCTs. We present a step-by-step overview to objectively design RCTs via CEA methods and specifically determine the cost effectiveness of a RI period in a CP RCT.

Methods

We applied the CEA methodology to data obtained from several noninvasive brain stimulation CP RCTs, specifically focusing on (1) defining the CEA research question, (2) identifying RCT phases and cost ingredients, (3) discounting, (4) modeling the stochastic nature of the RCT, and (5) performing sensitivity analyse

SUBMITTER: Rafferty H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9769699 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature