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Morton RL, Tuffaha H, Blaya-Novakova V, Spencer J, Hawley CM, Peyton P, Higgins A, Marsh J, Taylor WJ, Huckson S, Sillett A, Schneemann K, Balagurunanthan A, Cumpston M, Scuffham PA, Glasziou P, Simes RJ. Approaches to prioritising research for clinical trial networks: a scoping review. Trials 2022; 23:1000. [PMID: 36510214 PMCID: PMC9743749 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06928-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prioritisation of clinical trials ensures that the research conducted meets the needs of stakeholders, makes the best use of resources and avoids duplication. The aim of this review was to identify and critically appraise approaches to research prioritisation applicable to clinical trials, to inform best practice guidelines for clinical trial networks and funders. METHODS A scoping review of English-language published literature and research organisation websites (January 2000 to January 2020) was undertaken to identify primary studies, approaches and criteria for research prioritisation. Data were extracted and tabulated, and a narrative synthesis was employed. RESULTS Seventy-eight primary studies and 18 websites were included. The majority of research prioritisation occurred in oncology and neurology disciplines. The main reasons for prioritisation were to address a knowledge gap (51 of 78 studies [65%]) and to define patient-important topics (28 studies, [35%]). In addition, research organisations prioritised in order to support their institution's mission, invest strategically, and identify best return on investment. Fifty-seven of 78 (73%) studies used interpretative prioritisation approaches (including Delphi surveys, James Lind Alliance and consensus workshops); six studies used quantitative approaches (8%) such as prospective payback or value of information (VOI) analyses; and 14 studies used blended approaches (18%) such as nominal group technique and Child Health Nutritional Research Initiative. Main criteria for prioritisation included relevance, appropriateness, significance, feasibility and cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSION Current research prioritisation approaches for groups conducting and funding clinical trials are largely interpretative. There is an opportunity to improve the transparency of prioritisation through the inclusion of quantitative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael L. Morton
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XNational Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre (NHMRC CTC), University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Haitham Tuffaha
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Vendula Blaya-Novakova
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XNational Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre (NHMRC CTC), University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jenean Spencer
- Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA), Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Carmel M. Hawley
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australasian Kidney Trials Network (AKTN), Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Phil Peyton
- grid.418175.e0000 0001 2225 7841Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alisa Higgins
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre (ANZIC-RC), Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Julie Marsh
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, West Perth, Australia
| | - William J. Taylor
- grid.29980.3a0000 0004 1936 7830University of Otago, Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sue Huckson
- grid.489411.10000 0004 5905 1670Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS), Camberwell, Victoria Australia
| | - Amy Sillett
- grid.467202.50000 0004 0445 3920AstraZeneca Australia, Macquarie Park, New South Wales Australia
| | - Kieran Schneemann
- Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA), Melbourne, Victoria Australia ,grid.467202.50000 0004 0445 3920AstraZeneca Australia, Macquarie Park, New South Wales Australia
| | | | - Miranda Cumpston
- Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA), Melbourne, Victoria Australia ,grid.266842.c0000 0000 8831 109XSchool of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Paul A. Scuffham
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul Glasziou
- grid.1033.10000 0004 0405 3820Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Robert J. Simes
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XNational Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre (NHMRC CTC), University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Tudur Smith C, Hickey H, Clarke M, Blazeby J, Williamson P. The trials methodological research agenda: results from a priority setting exercise. Trials 2014; 15:32. [PMID: 24456928 PMCID: PMC3904160 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research into the methods used in the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of clinical trials is essential to ensure that effective methods are available and that clinical decisions made using results from trials are based on the best available evidence, which is reliable and robust. Methods An on-line Delphi survey of 48 UK Clinical Research Collaboration registered Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) was undertaken. During round one, CTU Directors were asked to identify important topics that require methodological research. During round two, their opinion about the level of importance of each topic was recorded, and during round three, they were asked to review the group’s average opinion and revise their previous opinion if appropriate. Direct reminders were sent to maximise the number of responses at each round. Results are summarised using descriptive methods. Results Forty one (85%) CTU Directors responded to at least one round of the Delphi process: 25 (52%) responded in round one, 32 (67%) responded in round two, 24 (50%) responded in round three. There were only 12 (25%) who responded to all three rounds and 18 (38%) who responded to both rounds two and three. Consensus was achieved amongst CTU Directors that the top three priorities for trials methodological research were ‘Research into methods to boost recruitment in trials’ (considered the highest priority), ‘Methods to minimise attrition’ and ‘Choosing appropriate outcomes to measure’. Fifty other topics were included in the list of priorities and consensus was reached that two topics, ‘Radiotherapy study designs’ and ‘Low carbon trials’, were not priorities. Conclusions This priority setting exercise has identified the research topics felt to be most important to the key stakeholder group of Directors of UKCRC registered CTUs. The use of robust methodology to identify these priorities will help ensure that this work informs the trials methodological research agenda, with a focus on topics that will have most impact and relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catrin Tudur Smith
- North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Abstract
Radiotherapeutic management of vertebral metastases varies based on the extent of disease within the spine and systemically, the histology of the tumor, and the life expectancy of the patient. The goals of pain reduction, structural stability of the axial skeleton, and maintenance of local control for the remainder of the patient's life guide the decision to proceed with a short simple course of standard therapy or a more complex approach with stereotactic regimens. The complex and rigorous processes involved in stereotactic radiotherapy for the spine require close cooperation among the radiation oncologist, neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, and medical oncologist, but the clinical results show that the result is an enhanced quality of life for the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Swift
- Radiation Oncology, Alta Bates Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2001 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA.
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