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Venn ML, Knowles CH, Li E, Glasbey J, Morton DG, Hooper R. Implementation of a batched stepped wedge trial evaluating a quality improvement intervention for surgical teams to reduce anastomotic leak after right colectomy. Trials 2023; 24:329. [PMID: 37189166 PMCID: PMC10184073 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07318-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large-scale quality improvement interventions demand robust trial designs with flexibility for delivery in different contexts, particularly during a pandemic. We describe innovative features of a batched stepped wedge trial, ESCP sAfe Anastomosis proGramme in CoLorectal SurgEry (EAGLE), intended to reduce anastomotic leak following right colectomy, and reflect on lessons learned about the implementation of quality improvement programmes on an international scale. METHODS Surgical units were recruited and randomised in batches to receive a hospital-level education intervention designed to reduce anastomotic leak, either before, during, or following data collection. All consecutive patients undergoing right colectomy were included. Online learning, patient risk stratification and an in-theatre checklist constituted the intervention. The study was powered to detect an absolute risk reduction of anastomotic leak from 8.1 to 5.6%. Statistical efficiency was optimised using an incomplete stepped wedge trial design and study batches analysed separately then meta-analysed to calculate the intervention effect. An established collaborative group helped nurture strong working relationships between units/countries and a prospectively designed process evaluation will enable evaluation of both the intervention and its implementation. RESULTS The batched trial design allowed sequential entry of clusters, targeted research training and proved to be robust to pandemic interruptions. Staggered start times in the incomplete stepped wedge design with long lead-in times can reduce motivation and engagement and require careful administration. CONCLUSION EAGLE's robust but flexible study design allowed completion of the study across globally distributed geographical locations in spite of the pandemic. The primary outcome analysed in conjunction with the process evaluation will ensure a rich understanding of the intervention and the effects of the study design. TRIAL REGISTRATION National Institute of Health Research Clinical Research Network portfolio IRAS ID: 272,250. Health Research Authority approval 18 October 2019. CLINICALTRIALS gov, identifier NCT04270721, protocol ID RG_19196.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Venn
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Charles H Knowles
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Elizabeth Li
- University of Birmingham, Rm 31, Fourth floor, Heritage Building, Academic Department of Surgery, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - James Glasbey
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery, Institute of Translational Medicine, Heritage Building, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Dion G Morton
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery, Institute of Translational Medicine, Heritage Building, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Richard Hooper
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Institute of Population Health Sciences, 58 Turner Street, London, E1 2AB, UK.
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2
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Singh JA. Governance of adaptive platform trials. Wellcome Open Res 2023. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19058.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptive Clinical Trials (ACT) differ from conventional clinical trials because they permit continual modifications to key components of trial design during the trial. ACTs have grown in prevalence in recent years, with Adaptive Platform Trials (APTs), in particular, having demonstrated their significant scientific, clinical, and public health utility in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a steady increase in the number of regulations and guidelines aimed at guiding the conduct of clinical trials. However, despite the potential of APTs to expedite the testing of new interventions in emergency situations, there is a relative dearth of published literature on why and how such trials should be governed. This work attempts to address this knowledge gap.
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Eliya Y, Whitelaw S, Thabane L, Voors AA, Douglas PS, Van Spall HGC. Temporal Trends and Clinical Trial Characteristics Associated With the Inclusion of Women in Heart Failure Trial Steering Committees: A Systematic Review. Circ Heart Fail 2021; 14:e008064. [PMID: 34281362 DOI: 10.1161/circheartfailure.120.008064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trial steering committees (TSCs) steer the conduct of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We examined the gender composition of TSCs in impactful heart failure RCTs and explored whether trial leadership by a woman was independently associated with the inclusion of women in TSCs. METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL for heart failure RCTs published in journals with impact factor ≥10 between January 2000 and May 2019. We used the Jonckheere-Terpstra test to assess temporal trends and multivariable logistic regression to explore trial characteristics associated with TSC inclusion of women. RESULTS Of 403 RCTs that met inclusion criteria, 127 (31.5%) reported having a TSC but 20 of these (15.7%) did not identify members. Among 107 TSCs that listed members, 56 (52.3%) included women and 6 of these (10.7%) restricted women members to the RCT leaders. Of 1213 TSC members, 11.1% (95% CI, 9.4%-13.0%) were women, with no change in temporal trends (P=0.55). Women had greater odds of TSC inclusion in RCTs led by women (adjusted odds ratio, 2.48 [95% CI, 1.05-8.72], P=0.042); this association was nonsignificant when analysis excluded TSCs that restricted women to the RCT leaders (adjusted odds ratio 1.46 [95% CI, 0.43-4.91], P=0.36). CONCLUSIONS Women were included in 52.3% of TSCs and represented 11.1% of TSC members in 107 heart failure RCTs, with no change in trends since 2000. RCTs led by women had higher adjusted odds of including women in TSCs, partly due to the self-inclusion of RCT leaders in TSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousif Eliya
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Y.E., S.W., L.T., H.G.C.V.S.), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sera Whitelaw
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Y.E., S.W., L.T., H.G.C.V.S.), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Y.E., S.W., L.T., H.G.C.V.S.), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adriaan A Voors
- University of Groningen, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center, the Netherlands (A.A.V.)
| | - Pamela S Douglas
- Duke University Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC (P.S.D.)
| | - Harriette G C Van Spall
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Y.E., S.W., L.T., H.G.C.V.S.), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine (H.G.C.V.S.), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.G.C.V.S.).,ICES (Cardiovascular Research Program) (H.G.C.V.S.)
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4
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Coulman KD, Nicholson A, Shaw A, Daykin A, Selman LE, Macefield R, Shorter GW, Cramer H, Sydes MR, Gamble C, Pick ME, Taylor G, Lane JA. Understanding and optimising patient and public involvement in trial oversight: an ethnographic study of eight clinical trials. Trials 2020; 21:543. [PMID: 32552907 PMCID: PMC7302397 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trial oversight is important for trial governance and conduct. Patients and/or lay members of the public are increasingly included in trial oversight committees, influenced by international patient and public involvement (PPI) initiatives to improve the quality and relevance of research. However, there is a lack of guidance on how to undertake PPI in trial oversight and tokenistic PPI remains an issue. This paper explores how PPI functions in existing trial oversight committees and provides recommendations to optimise PPI in future trials. This was part of a larger study investigating the role and function of oversight committees in trials facing challenges. METHODS Using an ethnographic study design, we observed oversight meetings of eight UK trials and conducted semi-structured interviews with members of their trial steering committees (TSCs) and trial management groups (TMGs) including public contributors, trial sponsors and funders. Thematic analysis of data was undertaken, with findings integrated to provide a multi-perspective account of how PPI functions in trial oversight. RESULTS Eight TSC and six TMG meetings from eight trials were observed, and 66 semi-structured interviews conducted with 52 purposively sampled oversight group members, including three public contributors. PPI was reported as beneficial in trial oversight, with public members contributing a patient voice and fulfilling a patient advocacy role. However, public contributors were not always active at oversight meetings and were sometimes felt to have a tokenistic role, with trialists reporting a lack of understanding of how to undertake PPI in trial oversight. To optimise PPI in trial oversight, the following areas were highlighted: the importance of planning effective strategies to recruit public contributors; considering the level of oversight and stage(s) of trial to include PPI; support for public contributors by the trial team between and during oversight meetings. CONCLUSIONS We present evidence-based recommendations to inform future PPI in trial oversight. Consideration should be given at trial design stage on how to recruit and involve public contributors within trial oversight, as well as support and mentorship for both public contributors and trialists (in how to undertake PPI effectively). Findings from this study further strengthen the evidence base on facilitating meaningful PPI within clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Coulman
- MRC ConDuCT-II Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - A Nicholson
- MRC ConDuCT-II Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - A Shaw
- MRC ConDuCT-II Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - A Daykin
- MRC ConDuCT-II Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - L E Selman
- MRC ConDuCT-II Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - R Macefield
- MRC ConDuCT-II Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - G W Shorter
- Centre for Improving Health Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5BN, UK
| | - H Cramer
- MRC ConDuCT-II Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - M R Sydes
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, WC1J 6JL, UK
- MRC London Hub for Trial Methodology Research, London, UK
| | - C Gamble
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - M E Pick
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - G Taylor
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - J A Lane
- MRC ConDuCT-II Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
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Daruwalla N, Machchhar U, Pantvaidya S, D'Souza V, Gram L, Copas A, Osrin D. Community interventions to prevent violence against women and girls in informal settlements in Mumbai: the SNEHA-TARA pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial. Trials 2019; 20:743. [PMID: 31847913 PMCID: PMC6918681 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3817-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a cluster randomised controlled trial in Mumbai slums, we will test the effects on the prevalence of violence against women and girls of community mobilisation through groups and individual volunteers. One in three women in India has survived physical or sexual violence, making it a major public health burden. Reviews recommend community mobilisation to address violence, but trial evidence is limited. METHODS Guided by a theory of change, we will compare 24 areas receiving support services, community group, and volunteer activities with 24 areas receiving support services only. These community mobilisation activities will be evaluated through a follow-up survey after 3 years. Primary outcomes will be prevalence in the preceding year of physical or sexual domestic violence, and prevalence of emotional or economic domestic violence, control, or neglect against women 15-49 years old. Secondary outcomes will describe disclosure of violence to support services, community tolerance of violence against women and girls, prevalence of non-partner sexual violence, and mental health and wellbeing. Intermediate theory-based outcomes will include bystander intervention, identification of and support for survivors of violence, changes described in programme participants, and changes in communities. DISCUSSION Systematic reviews of interventions to prevent violence against women and girls suggest that community mobilisation is a promising population-based intervention. Already implemented in other areas, our intervention has been developed over 16 years of programmatic experience and 2 years of formative research. Backed by public engagement and advocacy, our vision is of a replicable community-led intervention to address the public health burden of violence against women and girls. TRIAL REGISTRATION Controlled Trials Registry of India, CTRI/2018/02/012047. Registered on 21 February 2018. ISRCTN, ISRCTN84502355. Registered on 22 February 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayreen Daruwalla
- SNEHA (Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action), 310, 3rd floor, Urban Health Centre, 60 Feet Road, Dharavi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400017, India
| | - Unnati Machchhar
- SNEHA (Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action), 310, 3rd floor, Urban Health Centre, 60 Feet Road, Dharavi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400017, India
| | - Shanti Pantvaidya
- SNEHA (Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action), 310, 3rd floor, Urban Health Centre, 60 Feet Road, Dharavi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400017, India
| | - Vanessa D'Souza
- SNEHA (Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action), 310, 3rd floor, Urban Health Centre, 60 Feet Road, Dharavi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400017, India
| | - Lu Gram
- University College London Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Andrew Copas
- Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - David Osrin
- University College London Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Lane JA, Gamble C, Cragg WJ, Tembo D, Sydes MR. A third trial oversight committee: Functions, benefits and issues. Clin Trials 2019; 17:106-112. [PMID: 31665920 PMCID: PMC7433693 DOI: 10.1177/1740774519881619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background/aims: Clinical trial oversight is central to the safety of participants and production of robust data. The United Kingdom Medical Research Council originally set out an oversight structure comprising three committees in 1998. The first committee, led by the trial team, is hands-on with trial conduct/operations (‘Trial Management Group’) and essential. The second committee (Data Monitoring Committee), usually completely independent of the trial, reviews accumulating trial evidence and is used by most later phase trials. The Independent Data Monitoring Committee makes recommendations to the third oversight committee. The third committee, (‘Trial Steering Committee’), facilitates in-depth interactions of independent and non-independent trial members and gives broader oversight (blinded to comparative analysis). We investigated the roles and functioning of the third oversight committee with multiple research methods. We reflect upon these findings to standardise the committee’s remit and operation and to potentially increase its usage. Methods: We utilised findings from our recent published suite of research on the third oversight committee to inform guideline revision. In brief, we conducted a survey of 38 United Kingdom–registered Clinical Trials Units, reviewed a cohort of 264 published trials, observed 8 third oversight committee meetings and interviewed 52 trialists. We convened an expert panel to discuss third oversight committees. Subsequently, we interviewed nine patient/lay third committee members and eight committee Chairs. Results: In the survey, most Clinical Trials Units required a third committee for all their trials (27/38, 71%) with independent members (ranging from 1 to 6). In the survey and interviews, the independence of the third committee was valued to make unbiased consideration of Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommendations and to advise on trial progress, protocol changes and recruitment issues in conjunction with the trial leadership. The third committee also advised funders and sponsors about trial continuation and represented patients and the public by including lay members. Of the cohort of 264 published trials, 144 reported a ‘steering’ committee (55%), but the independence of these members was not described so these may have been internal Trial Management Groups. Around two thirds of papers (60%) reported having an Independent Data Monitoring Committee and 26.9% neither a steering nor an Independent Data Monitoring Committee. However, before revising the third committee charter (Terms of Reference), greater standardisation is needed around defining member independence, composition, primacy of decision-making, interactions with other committees and the lifespan. Conclusion: A third oversight committee has benefits for trial oversight and conduct, and a revised charter will facilitate greater standardisation and wider adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Athene Lane
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, Bristol University, Bristol, UK.,MRC ConDucT-II Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Bristol Medical School, Bristol University, Bristol, UK
| | - Carrol Gamble
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - William J Cragg
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, University College London (UCL), London, UK.,MRC London Hub for Trials Methodology Research, London, UK.,Clinical Trials Research Unit, Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Doreen Tembo
- National Institute for Health Research, Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Matthew R Sydes
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, University College London (UCL), London, UK.,MRC London Hub for Trials Methodology Research, London, UK
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7
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Peacock A, Larance B, Bruno R, Pearson SA, Buckley NA, Farrell M, Degenhardt L. Post-marketing studies of pharmaceutical opioid abuse-deterrent formulations: a framework for research design and reporting. Addiction 2019; 114:389-399. [PMID: 29989247 PMCID: PMC6599581 DOI: 10.1111/add.14380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Opioid formulations with properties to deter abuse (abuse-deterrent formulations; ADFs) have been developed as one response to the prescription opioid 'epidemic'. As for all medicines, ADFs undergo evaluation of safety and efficacy prior to registration for marketing. However, reduced extra-medical use (the primary intended outcome of ADFs and reason for their introduction) can only be established in post-marketing observational studies, comparing them to opioid formulations without abuse-deterrent properties. This has implications for various features of study design and analysis. We discuss proposals for the design, conduct, governance and reporting of post-marketing studies on the effectiveness of pharmaceutical and opioid ADFs. METHODS A review of current guidance documents, public work-shops and forums and our own experience with post-marketing studies of ADFs. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Research questions for post-marketing studies on ADFs of opioids should reasonably be framed around detecting any probable intended or unintended clinical and/or meaningful changes in specific aspects of extra-medical use (e.g. injection use) and harms. Outcomes reported by prevalence and frequency of occurrence and disaggregated by specific product and route of administration can illustrate the magnitude of ADF impact. We argue that a multi-faceted approach is required, using data from both general population and sentinel high-risk cohorts and from primary and secondary data sources. The comparator (historical non-ADF formulation of that opioid, equivalent current generic or similar opioid product), duration of monitoring and analytical approach require justification and should be sufficient to add weight to conclusions of causality. To maximize transparency, we recommend explicit declarations of funding and conflict of interest, establishment of an advisory committee, publication of study protocol and access to study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia,School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Briony Larance
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Raimondo Bruno
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia,School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Sallie-Anne Pearson
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
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8
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Pallmann P, Bedding AW, Choodari-Oskooei B, Dimairo M, Flight L, Hampson LV, Holmes J, Mander AP, Odondi L, Sydes MR, Villar SS, Wason JMS, Weir CJ, Wheeler GM, Yap C, Jaki T. Adaptive designs in clinical trials: why use them, and how to run and report them. BMC Med 2018; 16:29. [PMID: 29490655 PMCID: PMC5830330 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-018-1017-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 343] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive designs can make clinical trials more flexible by utilising results accumulating in the trial to modify the trial's course in accordance with pre-specified rules. Trials with an adaptive design are often more efficient, informative and ethical than trials with a traditional fixed design since they often make better use of resources such as time and money, and might require fewer participants. Adaptive designs can be applied across all phases of clinical research, from early-phase dose escalation to confirmatory trials. The pace of the uptake of adaptive designs in clinical research, however, has remained well behind that of the statistical literature introducing new methods and highlighting their potential advantages. We speculate that one factor contributing to this is that the full range of adaptations available to trial designs, as well as their goals, advantages and limitations, remains unfamiliar to many parts of the clinical community. Additionally, the term adaptive design has been misleadingly used as an all-encompassing label to refer to certain methods that could be deemed controversial or that have been inadequately implemented.We believe that even if the planning and analysis of a trial is undertaken by an expert statistician, it is essential that the investigators understand the implications of using an adaptive design, for example, what the practical challenges are, what can (and cannot) be inferred from the results of such a trial, and how to report and communicate the results. This tutorial paper provides guidance on key aspects of adaptive designs that are relevant to clinical triallists. We explain the basic rationale behind adaptive designs, clarify ambiguous terminology and summarise the utility and pitfalls of adaptive designs. We discuss practical aspects around funding, ethical approval, treatment supply and communication with stakeholders and trial participants. Our focus, however, is on the interpretation and reporting of results from adaptive design trials, which we consider vital for anyone involved in medical research. We emphasise the general principles of transparency and reproducibility and suggest how best to put them into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Pallmann
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YF UK
| | | | - Babak Choodari-Oskooei
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Laura Flight
- Medical Statistics Group, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lisa V. Hampson
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YF UK
- Statistical Innovation Group, Advanced Analytics Centre, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jane Holmes
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Lang’o Odondi
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew R. Sydes
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sofía S. Villar
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James M. S. Wason
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Christopher J. Weir
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Graham M. Wheeler
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK & UCL Cancer Trials Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christina Yap
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Thomas Jaki
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YF UK
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9
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Daykin A, Selman LE, Cramer H, McCann S, Shorter GW, Sydes MR, Gamble C, Macefield R, Lane JA, Shaw A. 'We all want to succeed, but we've also got to be realistic about what is happening': an ethnographic study of relationships in trial oversight and their impact. Trials 2017; 18:612. [PMID: 29273060 PMCID: PMC5741863 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2305-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oversight and conduct of a randomised controlled trial involves several stakeholders, including a Trial Steering Committee (TSC), Trial Management Group (TMG), Data Monitoring Committee (DMC), funder and sponsor. We aimed to examine how the relationships between these stakeholders affect the trial oversight process and its rigour, to inform future revision of Good Clinical Practice guidelines. METHODS Using an ethnographic study design, we observed the oversight processes of eight trials and conducted semi-structured interviews with members of the trials' TSCs and TMGs, plus other relevant informants, including sponsors and funders of trials. Data were analysed thematically, and findings triangulated and integrated to give a multi-perspective account of current oversight practices in the UK. RESULTS Eight TSC and six TMG meetings from eight trials were observed and audio-recorded, and 66 semi-structured interviews conducted with 52 purposively sampled key informants. Five themes are presented: (1) Collaboration within the TMG and role of the CTU; (2) Collaboration and conflict between oversight committees; (3) Priorities; (4) Communication between trial oversight groups and (5) Power and accountability. There was evidence of collaborative relationships, based on mutual respect, between CTUs, TMGs and TSCs, but also evidence of conflict. Relationships between trial oversight committees were influenced by stakeholders' priorities, both organisational and individual. Good communication following specific, recognised routes played a central role in ensuring that relationships were productive and trial oversight efficient. Participants described the possession of power over trials as a shifting political landscape, and there was lack of clarity regarding the roles and accountability of each committee, the sponsor and funder. Stakeholders' perceptions of their own power over a trial, and the power of others, influenced relationships between those involved in trial oversight. CONCLUSIONS Recent developments in trial design and conduct have been accompanied by changes in roles and relationships between trial oversight groups. Recognising and respecting the value of differing priorities among those involved in running trials is key to successful relationships between committees, funders and sponsors. Clarity regarding appropriate lines of communication, roles and accountability is needed. We present 10 evidence-based recommendations to inform updates to international trial guidance, particularly the Medical Research Council guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Daykin
- MRC ConDuCT Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lucy E. Selman
- MRC ConDuCT Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Helen Cramer
- MRC ConDuCT Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sharon McCann
- Formerly: Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gillian W. Shorter
- Psychotraumatology, Mental Health and Suicidal Behaviour, Psychology Research Institute, Ulster University, Belfast, UK
- School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Matthew R. Sydes
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London, UK
- MRC London Hub for Trial Methodology Research, London, UK
| | - Carrol Gamble
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rhiannon Macefield
- MRC ConDuCT Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - J. Athene Lane
- MRC ConDuCT Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alison Shaw
- MRC ConDuCT Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Shorter GW, Heather N, Bray JW, Giles EL, Holloway A, Barbosa C, Berman AH, O'Donnell AJ, Clarke M, Stockdale KJ, Newbury-Birch D. The 'Outcome Reporting in Brief Intervention Trials: Alcohol' (ORBITAL) framework: protocol to determine a core outcome set for efficacy and effectiveness trials of alcohol screening and brief intervention. Trials 2017; 18:611. [PMID: 29273070 PMCID: PMC5741954 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2335-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The evidence base to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of alcohol brief interventions (ABI) is weakened by variation in the outcomes measured and by inconsistent reporting. The ‘Outcome Reporting in Brief Intervention Trials: Alcohol’ (ORBITAL) project aims to develop a core outcome set (COS) and reporting guidance for its use in future trials of ABI in a range of settings. Methods/design An international Special Interest Group was convened through INEBRIA (International Network on Brief Interventions for Alcohol and Other Drugs) to inform the development of a COS for trials of ABI. ORBITAL will incorporate a systematic review to map outcomes used in efficacy and effectiveness trials of ABI and their measurement properties, using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) criteria. This will support a multi-round Delphi study to prioritise outcomes. Delphi panellists will be drawn from a range of settings and stakeholder groups, and the Delphi study will also be used to determine if a single COS is relevant for all settings. A consensus meeting with key stakeholder representation will determine the final COS and associated guidance for its use in trials of ABI. Discussion ORBITAL will develop a COS for alcohol screening and brief intervention trials, with outcomes stratified into domains and guidance on outcome measurement instruments. The standardisation of ABI outcomes and their measurement will support the ongoing development of ABI studies and a systematic synthesis of emerging research findings. We will track the extent to which the COS delivers on this promise through an exploration of the use of the guidance in the decade following COS publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- G W Shorter
- Alcohol and Public Health Research Team, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.,Psychotraumatology, Mental Health & Suicidal Behaviour Research Group, Psychology Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.,Inspire, Belfast, UK.,College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - N Heather
- Faculty of Health and Life Science, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jeremy W Bray
- Department of Economics, Bryan School of Business and Economics, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA.
| | - E L Giles
- Alcohol and Public Health Research Team, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - A Holloway
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - C Barbosa
- Behavioral Health Economics Program, RTI International, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - A H Berman
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A J O'Donnell
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - M Clarke
- Northern Ireland Methodology Hub, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - K J Stockdale
- Alcohol and Public Health Research Team, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.,School of Psychological and Social Sciences, York St. John University, York, UK
| | - D Newbury-Birch
- Alcohol and Public Health Research Team, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
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