Murtagh MJ, Thomson RG, May CR, Rapley T, Heaven BR, Graham RH, Kaner EF, Stobbart L, Eccles MP. Qualitative methods in a randomised controlled trial: the role of an integrated qualitative process evaluation in providing evidence to discontinue the intervention in one arm of a trial of a decision support tool.
Qual Saf Health Care 2007;
16:224-9. [PMID:
17545351 PMCID:
PMC2464994 DOI:
10.1136/qshc.2006.018499]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To understand participants' experiences and understandings of the interventions in the trial of a computerised decision support tool in patients with atrial fibrillation being considered for anti-coagulation treatment.
DESIGN
Qualitative process evaluation carried out alongside the trial: non-participant observation and semistructured interviews.
PARTICIPANTS
30 participants aged >60 years taking part in the trial of a computerised decision support tool.
RESULTS
Qualitative evidence provided the rationale to undertake a decision to discontinue one arm of the trial on the basis that the intervention in that arm, a standard gamble values elicitation exercise was causing confusion and was unlikely to produce valid data on participant values.
CONCLUSIONS
Qualitative methods used alongside a trial allow an understanding of the process and progress of a trial, and provide evidence to intervene in the trial if necessary, including evidence for the rationale to discontinue an intervention arm of the trial.
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