Influence of Pre-Trial Testing on Complex Intervention Trials
Author Information
Author(s): Shaun Treweek, Frank Sullivan
Primary Institution: University of Dundee
Hypothesis
To what extent are complex interventions tested prior to a full-scale trial and would more testing lead to different interventions?
Conclusion
Complex interventions are generally tested prior to their evaluation in a full-scale trial, although the amount of testing varies.
Supporting Evidence
- 72% of eligible authors replied to the survey.
- 81% of respondents reported that their interventions were tested.
- 65% of those who tested their interventions did not believe further testing would improve effectiveness.
- 50% of trials that involved testing did not mention it in published reports.
Takeaway
Before big health studies, researchers often test their ideas to see if they work, but sometimes they don't share this information, making it hard to know if their final study could be better.
Methodology
Email survey of authors of complex intervention trials published in seven major journals in 2004.
Potential Biases
Potential responder bias may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Limitations
The study relies on self-reported data from authors, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Authors of complex intervention trials from various health-related journals.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 67% to 90%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website