Bmc Med Res Methodol
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Bmc Med Res Methodol · Mar 2019
A descriptive analysis of the characteristics and the peer review process of systematic review protocols published in an open peer review journal from 2012 to 2017.
An a priori design is essential to reduce the risk of bias in systematic reviews (SRs). To this end, authors can register their SR with PROSPERO, and/or publish a SR protocol in an academic journal. The latter has the advantage that the manuscript for the SR protocol is usually peer-reviewed. However, since authors ought not to begin/continue the SR before their protocol has been accepted for publication, it is crucial that SR protocols are processed in a timely manner. Our main aim was to descriptively analyse the peer review process of SR protocols published in 'BMC Systematic Reviews' from 2012 to 2017. ⋯ The number of published SR protocols increased over the years, but so did the processing time. In 2017, it took several months from submission to acceptance, which is critical from an author's perspective. New models of peer review such as post publication peer review for SR protocols should be investigated. This could probably be realized with PROSPERO.
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Bmc Med Res Methodol · Jan 2019
The triple variable index combines information generated over time from common monitoring variables to identify patients expressing distinct patterns of intraoperative physiology.
Mean arterial pressure (MAP), bispectral index (BIS), and minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) represent valuable, yet dynamic intraoperative monitoring variables. They provide information related to poor outcomes when considered together, however their collective behavior across time has not been characterized. ⋯ Surgeries that share similar patterns of TVI expression display distinct patient, procedure, and outcome characteristics.
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Bmc Med Res Methodol · Jan 2019
The current use of feasibility studies in the assessment of feasibility for stepped-wedge cluster randomised trials: a systematic review.
Stepped-wedge cluster randomised trials (SW-CRTs) are a pragmatic trial design, providing an unprecedented opportunity to increase the robustness of evidence underpinning implementation and quality improvement interventions. Given the complexity of the SW-CRT, the likelihood of trials not delivering on their objectives will be mitigated if a feasibility study precedes the definitive trial. It is not currently known if feasibility studies are being conducted for SW-CRTs nor what the objectives of these studies are. ⋯ Published feasibility studies for SW-CRTs are scarce and those that are being reported do not investigate issues specific to the complexities of the trial design. When conducting feasibility studies in advance of a definitive SW-CRT, researchers should consider assessing the feasibility of study procedures, particularly those specific to the SW-CRT design, and ensure that the findings are published for the benefit of other researchers.
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Bmc Med Res Methodol · Jan 2019
Self-reported and routinely collected electronic healthcare resource-use data for trial-based economic evaluations: the current state of play in England and considerations for the future.
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are generally regarded as the "gold standard" for providing quantifiable evidence around the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of new healthcare technologies. In order to perform the economic evaluations associated with RCTs, there is a need for accessible and good quality resource-use data; for the purpose of discussion here, data that best reflect the care received. Traditionally, researchers have developed questionnaires for resource-use data collection. However, the evolution of routinely collected electronic data within care services provides new opportunities for collecting data without burdening patients or caregivers (e.g. clinicians). This paper describes the potential strengths and limitations of each data collection method and then discusses aspects for consideration before choosing which method to use. ⋯ Owing to the issues associated with electronic datasets, self-reported methods may currently be the preferred option. However, electronic hospital data are relatively more accessible, informative, standardised, and reliable. Therefore in trials where secondary care constitutes a major driver of patient care, detailed electronic data may be considered superior to self-reported methods; with the caveat of requiring data sharing agreements with third party providers and potentially time-consuming extraction periods. Self-reported methods will still be required when a 'societal' perspective (e.g. quantifying informal care) is desirable for the intended analysis.
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Bmc Med Res Methodol · Dec 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialStrategies and challenges associated with recruiting retirement village communities and residents into a group exercise intervention.
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the highest level of scientific evidence, but successful participant recruitment is critical to ensure the external and internal validity of results. This study describes the strategies associated with recruiting older adults at increased falls risk residing in retirement villages into an 18-month cluster RCT designed to evaluate the effects of a dual-task exercise program on falls and physical and cognitive function. ⋯ This study highlights that there are significant challenges associated with recruiting sufficient numbers of older adults from independent living retirement villages into an exercise intervention designed to improve health and well-being.