Journal of clinical epidemiology
-
To summarize the findings of methodological studies on the RAND/University of California Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) appropriateness method, which was developed to assess if variation in the use of surgical procedures is because of overuse and/or underuse. ⋯ Our findings support use of the appropriateness method to assess variation in the rates of the procedures studied by identifying overuse and underuse. Further methodological research should be conducted as appropriateness criteria are developed and implemented for a broader range of procedures.
-
Simple guidelines for calculating efficient sample sizes in cluster randomized trials with unknown intraclass correlation (ICC) and varying cluster sizes. ⋯ Efficient sample sizes for cluster randomized trials are easily computed, provided the cost per cluster and cost per person are specified.
-
This study highlights the serious consequences of ignoring reverse causality bias in studies on compensation-related factors and health outcomes and demonstrates a technique for resolving this problem of observational data. ⋯ To avert biased policy and judicial decisions that might inadvertently disadvantage people with compensable injuries, there is an urgent need for researchers to address reverse causality bias in studies on compensation-related factors and health.