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Godolphin PJ, Bath PM, Montgomery AA. Should we adjudicate outcomes in stroke trials? A systematic review. Int J Stroke 2023; 18:154-162. [PMID: 35373672 DOI: 10.1177/17474930221094682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central adjudication of outcomes is common in randomized clinical trials in stroke. The rationale for adjudication is clear; centrally adjudicated outcomes should have less random and systematic errors than outcomes assessed locally by site investigators. However, adjudication brings added complexities to a clinical trial and can be costly. AIM To assess the evidence for outcome adjudication in stroke trials. SUMMARY OF REVIEW We identified 12 studies evaluating central adjudication in stroke trials. The majority of these were secondary analyses of trials, and the results of all of these would have remained unchanged had central adjudication not taken place, even for trials without sufficient blinding. The largest differences between site-assessed and adjudicator-assessed outcomes were between the most subjective outcomes, such as causality of serious adverse events. We found that the cost of adjudication could be upward of £100,000 for medium to large prevention trials. These findings suggest that the cost of central adjudication may outweigh the advantages it brings in many cases. However, through simulation, we found that only a small amount of bias is required in site investigators' outcome assessments before adjudication becomes important. CONCLUSION Central adjudication may not be necessary in stroke trials with blinded outcome assessment. However, for open-label studies, central adjudication may be more important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Godolphin
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Philip M Bath
- Stroke Trials Unit, Mental Health & Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Stroke, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alan A Montgomery
- Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Devane D, Burke NN, Treweek S, Clarke M, Thomas J, Booth A, Tricco AC, Saif-Ur-Rahman KM. Study within a review (SWAR). J Evid Based Med 2022; 15:328-332. [PMID: 36513956 PMCID: PMC10107874 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Declan Devane
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Nikita N Burke
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Shaun Treweek
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Mike Clarke
- Northern Ireland Methodology Hub, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - James Thomas
- EPPI-Centre, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Booth
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Andrea C Tricco
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Epidemiology Division and Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Queen's Collaboration for Health Care Quality: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Toronto, Ontario
| | - K M Saif-Ur-Rahman
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Ohmann C, Moher D, Siebert M, Motschall E, Naudet F. Status, use and impact of sharing individual participant data from clinical trials: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049228. [PMID: 34408052 PMCID: PMC8375721 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the impact of data-sharing initiatives on the intent to share data, on actual data sharing, on the use of shared data and on research output and impact of shared data. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA All studies investigating data-sharing practices for individual participant data (IPD) from clinical trials. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE We searched the Medline database, the Cochrane Library, the Science Citation Index Expanded and the Social Sciences Citation Index via Web of Science, and preprints and proceedings of the International Congress on Peer Review and Scientific Publication. In addition, we inspected major clinical trial data-sharing platforms, contacted major journals/publishers, editorial groups and some funders. CHARTING METHODS Two reviewers independently extracted information on methods and results from resources identified using a standardised questionnaire. A map of the extracted data was constructed and accompanied by a narrative summary for each outcome domain. RESULTS 93 studies identified in the literature search (published between 2001 and 2020, median: 2018) and 5 from additional information sources were included in the scoping review. Most studies were descriptive and focused on early phases of the data-sharing process. While the willingness to share IPD from clinical trials is extremely high, actual data-sharing rates are suboptimal. A survey of journal data suggests poor to moderate enforcement of the policies by publishers. Metrics provided by platforms suggest that a large majority of data remains unrequested. When requested, the purpose of the reuse is more often secondary analyses and meta-analyses, rarely re-analyses. Finally, studies focused on the real impact of data-sharing were rare and used surrogates such as citation metrics. CONCLUSIONS There is currently a gap in the evidence base for the impact of IPD sharing, which entails uncertainties in the implementation of current data-sharing policies. High level evidence is needed to assess whether the value of medical research increases with data-sharing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Ohmann
- European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network, Paris, France
| | - David Moher
- Ottawa Methods Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maximilian Siebert
- CHU Rennes, CIC 1414 (Centre d'Investigation Clinique de Rennes), University Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Edith Motschall
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Florian Naudet
- CHU Rennes, INSERM CIC 1414 (Centre d'Investigation Clinique de Rennes), University Rennes, Rennes, Bretagne, France
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Dutra Dos Reis N, Müller Ferreira C, Silva MT, Galvão TF. Frequency of receiving requested data for a systematic review and associated factors: A cross-sectional study. Account Res 2021; 29:165-177. [PMID: 33779432 DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2021.1910029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the frequency of receiving requested data for a systematic review and associated factors. We contacted the authors of studies in need of additional data via e-mail. The primary outcome was the success in receiving the requested data according to the time until receipt. We estimated the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for success in each variable compared to the reference category, with weighted Cox proportional hazards models using Stata (version 14.2). Out of 164 studies contacted, 110 replied (67.1%), and 51 sent requested data (31.1%). Median time to receive a response or withdraw contact was 36.0 days (interquartile range: 17.5, 142.5). Higher success ratio was observed in studies published as scientific papers (HR = 3.01, 95% CI = [1.18, 7.70]), in more than one publication (HR = 2.00, 95% CI = [1.14, 3.51]), and contacted by personal e-mail (HR = 2.85, 95% CI = [1.34, 6.07]). Three or more contact attempts led to lower success ratio (HR = 0.19, 95% CI = [0.11, 0.35]) than one or two. Requesting data for a systematic review was time-consuming and effective in three out of ten studies. Fewer contacts were more successful than insisting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Taís Freire Galvão
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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Goossen K, Rombey T, Kugler CM, De Santis KK, Pieper D. Author queries via email text elicited high response and took less reviewer time than data forms - a randomised study within a review. J Clin Epidemiol 2021; 135:1-9. [PMID: 33577989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare two strategies for requesting additional information for systematic reviews (SR) from study authors. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Randomised study within a SR of hospital volume-outcome relationships in total knee arthroplasty. We sent personalized email requests for additional information to study authors as either email text ("Email" group) or attachment with self-developed, personalised data request forms ("Attachment" group). The primary outcome was the response rate, the secondary outcomes were the data completeness rate and the reviewer time invested in author contact. RESULTS Of 57 study authors, 29 were randomised to the Email group and 28 to the Attachment group. The response rate was 93% for Email and 75% for Attachment (odds ratio 4.5, 95% confidence interval [0.9-24.0]). Complete data were provided by 55% (Email) vs. 36% (Attachment) of authors (odds ratio 2.2 [0.8-6.4]). The mean reviewer time was shorter in the Email (mean ± standard deviation of 20.2±14.4 minutes/author) than the Attachment group (31.8±14.4 minutes/author) with a mean difference of 11.6 [4.1-19.1] minutes/author. CONCLUSION Personalised email requests elicited high response but only moderate data completeness rates regardless of the method (email text or attachment). Email requests as text took less reviewer time than creating attachments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Käthe Goossen
- Institute for Research in Operative Medicine (IFOM), Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Ostmerheimer Str. 200, 51109 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Tanja Rombey
- Institute for Research in Operative Medicine (IFOM), Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Ostmerheimer Str. 200, 51109 Cologne, Germany
| | - Charlotte M Kugler
- Institute for Research in Operative Medicine (IFOM), Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Ostmerheimer Str. 200, 51109 Cologne, Germany
| | - Karina K De Santis
- Institute for Research in Operative Medicine (IFOM), Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Ostmerheimer Str. 200, 51109 Cologne, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Achterstr. 30, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Dawid Pieper
- Institute for Research in Operative Medicine (IFOM), Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Ostmerheimer Str. 200, 51109 Cologne, Germany
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Godolphin PJ, Bath PM, Algra A, Berge E, Brown MM, Chalmers J, Duley L, Eliasziw M, Gregson J, Greving JP, Hankey GJ, Hosomi N, Johnston SC, Patsko E, Ranta A, Sandset PM, Serena J, Weimar C, Montgomery AA. Outcome Assessment by Central Adjudicators Versus Site Investigators in Stroke Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Stroke 2019; 50:2187-2196. [PMID: 33755494 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.119.025019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose- In randomized stroke trials, central adjudication of a trial's primary outcome is regularly implemented. However, recent evidence questions the importance of central adjudication in randomized trials. The aim of this review was to compare outcomes assessed by central adjudicators with outcomes assessed by site investigators. Methods- We included randomized stroke trials where the primary outcome had undergone an assessment by site investigators and central adjudicators. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar for eligible studies. We extracted information about the adjudication process as well as the treatment effect for the primary outcome, assessed both by central adjudicators and by site investigators. We calculated the ratio of these treatment effects so that a ratio of these treatment effects >1 indicated that central adjudication resulted in a more beneficial treatment effect than assessment by the site investigator. A random-effects meta-analysis model was fitted to estimate a pooled effect. Results- Fifteen trials, comprising 69 560 participants, were included. The primary outcomes included were stroke (8/15, 53%), a composite event including stroke (6/15, 40%) and functional outcome after stroke measured on the modified Rankin Scale (1/15, 7%). The majority of site investigators were blind to treatment allocation (9/15, 60%). On average, there was no difference in treatment effect estimates based on data from central adjudicators and site investigators (pooled ratio of these treatment effects=1.02; 95% CI, [0.95-1.09]). Conclusions- We found no evidence that central adjudication of the primary outcome in stroke trials had any impact on trial conclusions. This suggests that potential advantages of central adjudication may not outweigh cost and time disadvantages in stroke studies if the primary purpose of adjudication is to ensure validity of trial findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Godolphin
- From the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit (P.J.G., L.D., A.A.M.), University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Stroke Trials Unit, Division of Clinical Neuroscience (P.J.G., P.M.B.), University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Philip M Bath
- Stroke Trials Unit, Division of Clinical Neuroscience (P.J.G., P.M.B.), University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ale Algra
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (A.A.), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.,Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (A.A., J.P.G.), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Eivind Berge
- Department of Internal Medicine (E.B.), Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Martin M Brown
- Stroke Research Group, UCL Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, United Kingdom (M.M.B.)
| | - John Chalmers
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of NSW, Sydney, Australia (J.C.)
| | - Lelia Duley
- From the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit (P.J.G., L.D., A.A.M.), University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Misha Eliasziw
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA (M.E.)
| | - John Gregson
- Department of Medical Statistics, LSHTM, London, United Kingdom (J.G.)
| | - Jacoba P Greving
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (A.A., J.P.G.), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Graeme J Hankey
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth (G.J.H.)
| | - Naohisa Hosomi
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Japan (N.H.)
| | | | - Emily Patsko
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, United Kingdom (E.P.)
| | | | | | - Joaquín Serena
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Unit, Hospital Josep Trueta, IDIBGI, Girona, Spain (J.S.)
| | - Christian Weimar
- Universitätsklinikum Essen, Klinik für Neurologie, Essen, Germany (C.W.)
| | - Alan A Montgomery
- From the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit (P.J.G., L.D., A.A.M.), University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
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