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Nickolls BJ, Relton C, Hemkens L, Zwarenstein M, Eldridge S, McCall SJ, Griffin XL, Sohanpal R, Verkooijen HM, Maguire JL, McCord KA. Randomised trials conducted using cohorts: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e075601. [PMID: 38458814 PMCID: PMC10928784 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cohort studies generate and collect longitudinal data for a variety of research purposes. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) increasingly use cohort studies as data infrastructures to help identify and recruit trial participants and assess outcomes. OBJECTIVE To examine the extent, range and nature of research using cohorts for RCTs and describe the varied definitions and conceptual boundaries for RCTs using cohorts. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES Searches were undertaken in January 2021 in MEDLINE (Ovid) and EBM Reviews-Cochrane Methodology Registry (Final issue, third Quarter 2012). ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Reports published between January 2007 and December 2021 of (a) cohorts used or planned to be used, to conduct RCTs, or (b) RCTs which use cohorts to recruit participants and/or collect trial outcomes, or (c) methodological studies discussing the use of cohorts for RCTs. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data were extracted on the condition being studied, age group, setting, country/continent, intervention(s) and comparators planned or received, unit of randomisation, timing of randomisation, approach to informed consent, study design and terminology. RESULTS A total of 175 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. We identified 61 protocols, 9 descriptions of stand-alone cohorts intended to be used for future RCTs, 39 RCTs using cohorts and 34 methodological papers.The use and scope of this approach is growing. The thematics of study are far-ranging, including population health, oncology, mental and behavioural disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions.Authors reported that this approach can lead to more efficient recruitment, more representative samples, and lessen disappointment bias and crossovers. CONCLUSION This review outlines the development of cohorts to conduct RCTs including the range of use and innovative changes and adaptations. Inconsistencies in the use of terminology and concepts are highlighted. Guidance now needs to be developed to support the design and reporting of RCTs conducted using cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Jane Nickolls
- Centre for Evaluation and Methods, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Clare Relton
- Centre for Evaluation and Methods, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Lars Hemkens
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Meta-Research Innovation Center Berlin (METRICS-B), Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Merrick Zwarenstein
- Department of Family Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra Eldridge
- Centre for Evaluation and Methods, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Stephen J McCall
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Clinical Trials Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Ras Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Xavier Luke Griffin
- Bone and Joint Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, Royal London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ratna Sohanpal
- Centre for Primary Care, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Helena M Verkooijen
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathon L Maguire
- University of Toronto Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Narzari H, Nilima N, Vishnu VY, Khan MA, Gupta A, Srivastava VP. A Systematic Review of the Statistical Methods Adopted for Analyzing Follow-Up Data in Cohort Multiple Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus 2024; 16:e51558. [PMID: 38313924 PMCID: PMC10835332 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cohort multiple randomized controlled trial (cmRCT) can tackle some of the weaknesses of an RCT which has triggered the interest of researchers considerably over time. Several challenges persist regarding the methods of analyzing such valued data. The paucity of international recommendations concerning the statistical methods for analyzing trial data has led to a variety of strategies further complicating the result comparison. Our aim was to review the different cmRCT analysis methods since cmRCT was first proposed in 2010. METHODOLOGY A search for full-length studies presenting statistical analysis of the data collected adopting a cmRCT design was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, JSTOR, Scopus, MEDLINE, and ClinicalTrials.gov. RESULTS Out of 186 studies screened, we selected 22 for the full-text screening and 11 were found eligible for data extraction. All 11 studies were conducted in high-income countries, reflecting the design being underutilized in other settings. All of the studies were found to have used intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis with four of them utilizing instrumental variables (IV) analysis or a complier average causal effect (CACE). Randomization was noted often to be interchangeably used for random selection. Sample size calculation was not clearly specified in the majority of the studies. CONCLUSION Clarity regarding the distinction between an RCT and a cmRCT is warranted. The fundamental difference in design, which leads to certain biases that need to be taken care of by adopting IV or CACE analysis, has to be understood before taking up a cmRCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Narzari
- Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, New Delhi, IND
| | - Nilima Nilima
- Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, New Delhi, IND
| | | | - Maroof A Khan
- Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, New Delhi, IND
| | - Anu Gupta
- Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, New Delhi, IND
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EMDR for symptoms of depression, stress and burnout in health care workers exposed to COVID-19 (HARD): A study protocol for a trial within a cohort study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2179569. [PMID: 37052108 PMCID: PMC9946305 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2179569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Stressful events during a pandemic are a major cause of serious health problems, such as burnout, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among health care workers (HCWs). During three years, HCWs, on the frontline to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, have been at an increased risk of high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, burnout and PTSD. Regarding potential psychological interventions, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, strongly recommended therapy based on its well-known efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms and anxiety.Objectives: This study, designed as a trial within a cohort (TwiC), aims to 1) estimate the prevalence of depression, burnout and PTSD in a sample of HCWs after experiencing the COVID-19 emergency (cohort part) and 2) assess the efficacy and acceptability of 'EMDR + usual care' for HCWs from the cohort who report significant psychological symptoms (trial part).Methods: The study, designed as a TwiC, consists of a prospective cohort study (n = 3000) with an embedded, pragmatic, randomized open-label superiority trial with two groups (n = 900). Participants included in the trial part are HCWs recruited for the cohort with significant symptoms on at least one psychological dimension (depression, burnout, PTSD) at baseline, 3 months or 6 months, determined by using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale, and PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5). The intervention consists of 12 separate EMDR sessions with a certified therapist. The control group receives usual care. The trial has three primary outcomes: changes in depression, burnout and PTSD scores from randomization to 6 months. All participants are followed up for 12 months.Conclusions: This study provides empirical evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the mental health burden it places on HCWs and assesses the effectiveness of EMDR as a psychological intervention.Trial registration NCT04570202.
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Gaertner K, von Ammon K, Fibert P, Frass M, Frei-Erb M, Klein-Laansma C, Ulbrich-Zuerni S, Weiermayer P. Recommendations in the design and conduction of randomised controlled trials in human and veterinary homeopathic medicine. Complement Ther Med 2023; 76:102961. [PMID: 37393961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are an established research method to investigate the effects of an intervention. Several recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs with homeopathic interventions have identified shortcomings in design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of trials. Guidelines for RCTs in homeopathic medicine are lacking. OBJECTIVES This paper aims to fill this gap in order to enhance the quality of RCTs in the field of homeopathy. METHODS Identification of the homeopathy-specific requirements for RCTs by reviewing literature and experts' communications. Systematization of the findings using a suitable checklist for planning, conducting, and reporting RCTs, namely the SPIRIT statement, and high-quality homeopathy RCTs as examples. Cross-checking of the created checklist with the RedHot-criteria, the PRECIS criteria, and a qualitative evaluation checklist. Consideration of the REFLECT statement and the ARRIVE Guidelines 2.0 for veterinary homeopathy. RESULTS Recommendations for future implementation of RCTs in homeopathy are summarized in a checklist. Alongside, identified useful solutions to the issues encountered when designing and conducting homeopathy RCTs are presented. CONCLUSIONS The formulated recommendations present guidelines additional to those in the SPIRIT checklist, on how to better plan, design, conduct, and report RCTs in homeopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Gaertner
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine IKIM, University of Bern, Freiburgstr. 46, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, DE-58313 Herdecke, Germany
| | - Klaus von Ammon
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine IKIM, University of Bern, Freiburgstr. 46, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philippa Fibert
- Department of Psychology and Pedagogic Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, UK
| | - Michael Frass
- em. Medical University of Vienna, Department of Medicine I, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute for Homeopathic Research, Columbusgasse 20, A-1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Frei-Erb
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine IKIM, University of Bern, Freiburgstr. 46, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christien Klein-Laansma
- Louis Bolk Institute, Health and Nutrition, Kosterijland 3-5, NL-3981 AJ Bunnik, the Netherlands
| | | | - Petra Weiermayer
- WissHom: Scientific Society for Homeopathy, Wallstraße 48, DE-06366 Koethen, Germany.
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Kwakkenbos L, Carrier ME, Welling J, Levis B, Levis AW, Sauve M, Turner KA, Tao L, Aguila K, Carboni-Jiménez A, Cañedo-Ayala M, Harb S, van den Ende C, Hudson M, van Breda W, Nguyen C, Boutron I, Rannou F, Thombs BD, Mouthon L. Randomized controlled trial of an internet-based self-guided hand exercise program to improve hand function in people with systemic sclerosis: the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network Hand Exercise Program (SPIN-HAND) trial. Trials 2022; 23:994. [PMID: 36510233 PMCID: PMC9742661 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06923-4] [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: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma; SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease. Functional impairment of hands is common. The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN)-HAND trial compared effects of offering access to an online self-guided hand exercise program to usual care on hand function (primary) and functional health outcomes (secondary) in people with SSc with at least mild hand function limitations. METHODS The pragmatic, two-arm, parallel-group cohort multiple randomized controlled trial was embedded in the SPIN Cohort. Cohort participants with Cochin Hand Function Scale (CHFS) scores ≥ 3 and who indicated interest in using the SPIN-HAND Program were randomized (3:2 ratio) to an offer of program access or to usual care (targeted N = 586). The SPIN-HAND program consists of 4 modules that address (1) thumb flexibility and strength; (2) finger bending; (3) finger extension; and (4) wrist flexibility and strength. The primary outcome analysis compared CHFS scores 3 months post-randomization between participants offered versus not offered the program. Secondary outcomes were CHFS scores 6 months post-randomization and functional health outcomes (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System profile version 2.0 domain scores) 3 and 6 months post-randomization. RESULTS In total, 466 participants were randomized to intervention offer (N = 280) or usual care (N = 186). Of 280 participants offered the intervention, 170 (61%) consented to access the program. Of these, 117 (69%) viewed at least one hand exercise instruction video and 77 (45%) logged into the program website at least 3 times. In intent-to-treat analyses, CHFS scores were 1.2 points lower (95% CI - 2.8 to 0.3) for intervention compared to usual care 3 months post-randomization and 0.1 points lower (95% CI - 1.8 to 1.6 points) 6 months post-randomization. There were no statistically significant differences in other outcomes. CONCLUSION The offer to use the SPIN-HAND Program did not improve hand function. Low offer uptake, program access, and minimal usage among those who accessed the program limited our ability to determine if using the program would improve function. To improve engagement, the program could be tested in a group format or as a resource to support care provided by a physical or occupational therapist. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03419208 . Registered on February 1, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Kwakkenbos
- grid.5590.90000000122931605Clinical Psychology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-Eve Carrier
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada
| | - Joep Welling
- grid.491384.30000 0004 9361 2881NVLE Dutch Patient Organization for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Brooke Levis
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada ,grid.9757.c0000 0004 0415 6205Centre for Prognosis Research, School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Alexander W. Levis
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Maureen Sauve
- Scleroderma Society of Ontario, Hamilton, ON Canada ,Scleroderma Canada, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Kimberly A. Turner
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada
| | - Lydia Tao
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada
| | - Kylene Aguila
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada
| | - Andrea Carboni-Jiménez
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada
| | - Mara Cañedo-Ayala
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada
| | - Sami Harb
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada
| | | | - Marie Hudson
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Ward van Breda
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christelle Nguyen
- Université Paris Descartes, Université de Paris, Paris, France ,grid.50550.350000 0001 2175 4109Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Boutron
- Université Paris Descartes, Université de Paris, Paris, France ,grid.50550.350000 0001 2175 4109Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - François Rannou
- Université Paris Descartes, Université de Paris, Paris, France ,grid.50550.350000 0001 2175 4109Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Brett D. Thombs
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Luc Mouthon
- Université Paris Descartes, Université de Paris, Paris, France ,grid.50550.350000 0001 2175 4109Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France ,grid.411784.f0000 0001 0274 3893Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares d’Ile de France, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
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Kwakkenbos L, Carrier ME, Welling J, Turner KA, Cumin J, Pépin M, van den Ende C, Schouffoer AA, Hudson M, van Breda W, Sauve M, Mayes MD, Malcarne VL, Nielson WR, Nguyen C, Boutron I, Rannou F, Thombs BD, Mouthon L. Randomized feasibility trial of the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network hand exercise program (SPIN-HAND). PeerJ 2022; 10:e13471. [PMID: 35945943 PMCID: PMC9357372 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) online hand exercise program (SPIN-HAND), is an online self-help program of hand exercises designed to improve hand function for people with scleroderma. The objective of this feasibility trial was to evaluate aspects of feasibility for conducting a full-scale randomized controlled trial of the SPIN-HAND program. Materials and Methods The feasibility trial was embedded in the SPIN cohort and utilized the cohort multiple randomized controlled trial (cmRCT) design. In the cmRCT design, at the time of cohort enrollment, cohort participants consent to be assessed for trial eligibility and randomized prior to being informed about trials conducted using the cohort. When trials were conducted in the cohort, participants randomized to the intervention were informed and consented to access the intervention. Participants randomized to control were not informed that they have not received an intervention. All participants eligible and randomized to participate in the trial were included in analyses on an intent-to-treat basis. Cohort participants with a Cochin Hand Function Scale score ≥ 3/90 and an interest in using an online hand-exercise intervention were randomized (1:1 ratio) to be offered as usual care plus the SPIN-HAND Program or usual care for 3 months. User satisfaction was assessed with semi-structured interviews. Results Of the 40 randomized participants, 24 were allocated to SPIN-HAND and 16 to usual care. Of 24 participants randomized to be offered SPIN-HAND, 15 (63%) consented to use the program. Usage of SPIN-HAND content among the 15 participants who consented to use the program was low; only five (33%) logged in more than twice. Participants found the content relevant and easy to understand (satisfaction rating 8.5/10, N = 6). Automated eligibility and randomization procedures via the SPIN Cohort platform functioned properly. The required technical support was minimal. Conclusions Trial methodology functioned as designed, and the SPIN-HAND Program was feasibly delivered; however, the acceptance of the offer and use of program content among accepters were low. Adjustments to information provided to potential participants will be implemented in the full-scale SPIN-HAND trial to attempt to increase offer acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-Eve Carrier
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Joep Welling
- NVLE Dutch patient organization for systemic autoimmune diseases, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Julie Cumin
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mia Pépin
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Anne A. Schouffoer
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands,Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Marie Hudson
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ward van Breda
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maureen Sauve
- Scleroderma Society of Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,Scleroderma Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maureen D. Mayes
- University of Texas McGovern School of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Isabelle Boutron
- Centre d’Épidémiologie Clinique, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Hôtel Dieu, Paris, France,Centre of Research Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), Inserm, INRA, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - François Rannou
- Université de Paris, Paris, France,Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Brett D. Thombs
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luc Mouthon
- Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares d’Ile de France, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France,APHP-CUP, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
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Kwakkenbos L, Østbø N, Carrier ME, Nielson WR, Fedoruk C, Levis B, Henry RS, Pope J, Frech T, Gholizadeh S, Johnson SR, Piotrowski P, Jewett LR, Gordon J, Chung L, Bilsker D, Tao L, Turner KA, Cumin J, Welling J, Fortuné C, Leite C, Gottesman K, Sauvé M, Reyna TSR, Hudson M, Larche M, van Breda W, Suarez-Almazor ME, Bartlett SJ, Malcarne VL, Mayes MD, Boutron I, Mouthon L, Benedetti A, Thombs BD. Randomized feasibility trial of the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network Self-Management (SPIN-SELF) Program. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:45. [PMID: 35219340 PMCID: PMC8881754 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-00994-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) developed an online self-management program (SPIN-SELF) designed to improve disease-management self-efficacy in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc, or scleroderma). The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility aspects for conducting a full-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the SPIN-SELF Program. METHODS This feasibility trial was embedded in the SPIN Cohort and utilized the cohort multiple RCT design. In this design, at the time of cohort enrollment, cohort participants consent to be assessed for trial eligibility and randomized prior to being informed about the trial. Participants in the intervention arm are informed and provide consent, but not the control group. Forty English-speaking SPIN Cohort participants from Canada, the USA, or the UK with low disease-management self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease Scale [SEMCD] score ≤ 7) who were interested in using an online self-management program were randomized (3:2 ratio) to be offered the SPIN-SELF Program or usual care for 3 months. Program usage was examined via automated usage logs. User satisfaction was assessed with semi-structured interviews. Trial personnel time requirements and implementation challenges were logged. RESULTS Of 40 SPIN Cohort participants randomized, 26 were allocated to SPIN-SELF and 14 to usual care. Automated eligibility and randomization procedures via the SPIN Cohort platform functioned properly, except that two participants with SEMCD scores > 7 (scores of 7.2 and 7.3, respectively) were included, which was caused by a system programming error that rounded SEMCD scores. Of 26 SPIN Cohort participants offered the SPIN-SELF Program, only 9 (35%) consented to use the program. Usage logs showed that use of the SPIN-SELF Program was low: 2 of 9 users (22%) logged into the program only once (median = 3), and 4 of 9 (44%) accessed none or only 1 of the 9 program's modules (median = 2). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study will lead to substantial changes for the planned full-scale RCT of the SPIN-SELF Program that we will incorporate into a planned additional feasibility trial with progression to a full-scale trial. These changes include transitioning to a conventional RCT design with pre-randomization consent and supplementing the online self-help with peer-facilitated videoconference-based groups to enhance engagement. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov , NCT03914781 . Registered 16 April 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Kwakkenbos
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Radboud University, Montessorilaan 3, 6525, HR, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Nora Østbø
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Carrier
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Claire Fedoruk
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brooke Levis
- Centre for Prognosis Research, School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Richard S Henry
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Janet Pope
- Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracy Frech
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Shadi Gholizadeh
- California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sindhu R Johnson
- Toronto Scleroderma Program, Mount Sinai Hospital & Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lisa R Jewett
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Community and Family Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jessica Gordon
- Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Lorinda Chung
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Dan Bilsker
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lydia Tao
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kimberly A Turner
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie Cumin
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joep Welling
- NVLE Dutch patient organization for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Maureen Sauvé
- Scleroderma Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Scleroderma Society of Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Marie Hudson
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maggie Larche
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University and St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ward van Breda
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria E Suarez-Almazor
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Susan J Bartlett
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vanessa L Malcarne
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.,Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Maureen D Mayes
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas McGovern School of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Isabelle Boutron
- Université de Paris, Centre of Research Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), Inserm, INRA, Paris, France.,Centre d'Épidémiologie Clinique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Hôtel Dieu, Paris, France
| | - Luc Mouthon
- Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile de France, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.,APHP-CUP, Hôpital Cochin, Université de Paris, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Andrea Benedetti
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brett D Thombs
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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8
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Nordlund J, Henry RS, Kwakkenbos L, Carrier ME, Levis B, Nielson WR, Bartlett SJ, Dyas L, Tao L, Fedoruk C, Nielsen K, Hudson M, Pope J, Frech T, Gholizadeh S, Johnson SR, Piotrowski P, Jewett LR, Gordon J, Chung L, Bilsker D, Levis AW, Turner KA, Cumin J, Welling J, Fortuné C, Leite C, Gottesman K, Sauve M, Rodríguez-Reyna TS, Larche M, van Breda W, Suarez-Almazor ME, Wurz A, Culos-Reed N, Malcarne VL, Mayes MD, Boutron I, Mouthon L, Benedetti A, Thombs BD. The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network Self-Management (SPIN-SELF) Program: protocol for a two-arm parallel partially nested randomized controlled feasibility trial with progression to full-scale trial. Trials 2021; 22:856. [PMID: 34838105 PMCID: PMC8626736 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05827-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma; SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease. We completed an initial feasibility trial of an online self-administered version of the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network Self-Management (SPIN-SELF) Program using the cohort multiple randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Due to low intervention offer uptake, we will conduct a new feasibility trial with progression to full-scale trial, using a two-arm parallel, partially nested RCT design. The SPIN-SELF Program has also been revised to include facilitator-led videoconference group sessions in addition to online material. We will test the group-based intervention delivery format, then evaluate the effect of the SPIN-SELF Program on disease management self-efficacy (primary) and patient activation, social appearance anxiety, and functional health outcomes (secondary). METHODS This study is a feasibility trial with progression to full-scale RCT, pending meeting pre-defined criteria, of the SPIN-SELF Program. Participants will be recruited from the ongoing SPIN Cohort ( http://www.spinsclero.com/en/cohort ) and via social media and partner patient organizations. Eligible participants must have SSc and low to moderate disease management self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease (SEMCD) Scale score ≤ 7.0). Participants will be randomized (1:1 allocation) to the group-based SPIN-SELF Program or usual care for 3 months. The primary outcome in the full-scale trial will be disease management self-efficacy based on SEMCD Scale scores at 3 months post-randomization. Secondary outcomes include SEMCD scores 6 months post-randomization plus patient activation, social appearance anxiety, and functional health outcomes at 3 and 6 months post-randomization. We will include 40 participants to assess feasibility. At the end of the feasibility portion, stoppage criteria will be used to determine if the trial procedures or SPIN-SELF Program need important modifications, thereby requiring a re-set for the full-scale trial. Otherwise, the full-scale RCT will proceed, and outcome data from the feasibility portion will be utilized in the full-scale trial. In the full-scale RCT, 524 participants will be recruited. DISCUSSION The SPIN-SELF Program may improve disease management self-efficacy, patient activation, social appearance anxiety, and functional health outcomes in people with SSc. SPIN works with partner patient organizations around the world to disseminate its programs free-of-charge. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04246528 . Registered on 27 January 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Nordlund
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2 Canada
| | - Richard S. Henry
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2 Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Canada
| | - Linda Kwakkenbos
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-Eve Carrier
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2 Canada
| | - Brooke Levis
- Centre for Prognosis Research, School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire UK
| | | | - Susan J. Bartlett
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec Canada
| | - Laura Dyas
- Scleroderma Foundation, Michigan Chapter, Southfield, MI USA
| | - Lydia Tao
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2 Canada
| | - Claire Fedoruk
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2 Canada
| | - Karen Nielsen
- Scleroderma Society of Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario Canada
| | - Marie Hudson
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2 Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Canada
| | - Janet Pope
- Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Canada
| | - Tracy Frech
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Shadi Gholizadeh
- California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Sindhu R. Johnson
- Toronto Scleroderma Program, Mount Sinai Hospital & Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | | | - Lisa R. Jewett
- Department of Psychology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec Canada
| | - Jessica Gordon
- Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, NY USA
| | - Lorinda Chung
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA USA
- Department of Medicine, Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA USA
| | - Dan Bilsker
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
| | - Alexander W. Levis
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Kimberly A. Turner
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2 Canada
| | - Julie Cumin
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2 Canada
| | - Joep Welling
- NVLE Dutch patient organization for systemic autoimmune diseases, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Maureen Sauve
- Scleroderma Society of Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario Canada
- Scleroderma Canada, Hamilton, Ontario Canada
| | | | - Maggie Larche
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario Canada
| | - Ward van Breda
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria E. Suarez-Almazor
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Amanda Wurz
- School of Kinesiology, University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, British Columbia Canada
| | - Nicole Culos-Reed
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta Canada
| | - Vanessa L. Malcarne
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA USA
- Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Maureen D. Mayes
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas McGovern School of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Isabelle Boutron
- Université de Paris, Centre of Research Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), Inserm, INRA, Paris, France
- Centre d’Épidémiologie Clinique, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Hôtel Dieu, Paris, France
| | - Luc Mouthon
- Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares d’Ile de France, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- APHP-CUP, Hôpital Cochin, Université de Paris, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Andrea Benedetti
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Canada
- Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec Canada
| | - Brett D. Thombs
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2 Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Canada
- Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec Canada
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Canada
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Canada
- Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Canada
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9
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Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Carlsson SV, Ehdaie B, Kim SYH. Patient accrual and understanding of informed consent in a two-stage consent design. Clin Trials 2021; 18:377-382. [PMID: 33530713 DOI: 10.1177/1740774520988500] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously introduced the concept of "two-stage" (or "just-in-time") informed consent for randomized trials with usual care control. We argued that conducting consent in two stages-splitting information about research procedures from information about the experimental intervention-would reduce the decisional anxiety, confusion, and information overload commonly associated with informed consent. We implemented two-stage consent in a low-stakes randomized trial of a mindfulness meditation intervention for procedural distress in patients undergoing prostate biopsy. Here, we report accrual rates and patient understanding of the consent process. METHODS Patients approached for consent for the biopsy trial were asked to complete the standard "Quality of Informed Consent" questionnaire to assess their knowledge and understanding of the trial. RESULTS Accrual was excellent with 108 of 110 (98%) patients approached for consent signing first-stage consent. All 51 patients randomized to the experimental arm and who later presented for biopsy signed second-stage consent and received the mindfulness intervention. Quality of Informed Consent data were available for 48 patients assigned to the mindfulness treatment arm and 44 controls. The mean Quality of Informed Consent score was similar in the meditation and control arms with and overall mean of 75 (95% confidence interval = 74-76) for the knowledge section and 86 (95% confidence interval = 81-90) for understanding, comparable to the normative scores of 80 and 88. On further analysis and patient interview, two of the Quality of Informed Consent questions were found to be misleading in the context of a two-stage consent study for a mindfulness intervention. Excluding these questions increased knowledge scores to 88 (95% confidence interval = 87-90). CONCLUSION We found promising data that two-stage consent facilitated accrual without compromising patient understanding of randomized trials or compliance with allocated treatment. Further research is needed incorporating randomized comparison of two-stage consent to standard consent approaches, measuring patient anxiety and distress as an outcome, using suitable modifications to the Quality of Informed Consent questionnaire and trials with higher stakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Vickers
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily A Vertosick
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sigrid V Carlsson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Surgery (Urology Service), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Urology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Behfar Ehdaie
- Department of Surgery (Urology Service), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott Y H Kim
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Homeopathic Remedies in Psychiatric Disorders: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2021; 40:269-275. [PMID: 32332462 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND Homeopathy is a complementary and alternative medicine. Conclusive evidence on the plausibility, efficacy, and safety of these treatments is not currently available. Nonetheless, homeopathic remedies (HRs) are widespread throughout the world and especially in mental disorders. The aim is to assess the efficacy of HRs in the treatment of mental disorders. METHODS/PROCEDURES We performed a Medline/Embase search for studies written in English and published from any date to October 23, 2018. All randomized controlled trials enrolling patients with any psychiatric disorder and comparing HR with placebo, no treatment, or other psychotropic drugs were included. FINDINGS/RESULTS A total of 212 studies were screened, 9 met all selection criteria and reported data on major depressive disorder (MDD) (n = 4), generalized anxiety disorder (n = 1), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (n = 2), and premenstrual syndrome/dysphoric disorder (n = 2). Eight of 9 randomized controlled trials showed high risk of bias. Homeopathy showed greater efficacy in MDD compared with fluoxetine, and in premenstrual syndrome/dysphoric disorder compared with placebo, whereas no difference emerged between homeopathy and placebo in MDD and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS Available data on homeopathy in psychiatric disorders are insufficient to support their use in clinical practice.
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11
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Couwenberg AM, Burbach JPM, May AM, Berbee M, Intven MPW, Verkooijen HM. The trials within cohorts design facilitated efficient patient enrollment and generalizability in oncology setting. J Clin Epidemiol 2019; 120:33-39. [PMID: 31866471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The trials within cohorts (TwiCs) design aims to improve recruitment efficiency. We conducted the first TwiCs in radiation oncology and described efficiency of the design and generalizability of the results. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING In two radiotherapy centers, patients with rectal cancer were asked to participate in a prospective cohort study and to provide broad consent for randomization and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Consenting patients who met the trial criteria were randomized directly after cohort enrollment. The intervention arm was offered a radiotherapy boost. We evaluated acceptance rate, its impact on sample size, and compared clinical characteristics between trial participants and patients of the Dutch national cancer registry. RESULTS 128 of the 200 eligible patients (64%) were randomized. Sixty-two patients did not consent (in time) to cohort participation, to broad randomization, or to PROs. Of the 64 patients in the intervention arm, 52 (81%) accepted the intervention. During the trial, the acceptance rate dropped temporarily, after which sample size was adapted. Trial patients were comparable in age, comorbidity, and disease stage to the national rectal cancer population. CONCLUSIONS The TwiCs design is feasible, allows enrollment of a high proportion of randomizable patients, with positive impact on trial efficiency and generalizability of results in a clinical oncology setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Couwenberg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Anne M May
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike Berbee
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn P W Intven
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Helena M Verkooijen
- Imaging Division, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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12
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The Trials within Cohorts design faced methodological advantages and disadvantages in the exercise oncology setting. J Clin Epidemiol 2019; 113:137-146. [PMID: 31146022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design is an alternative for pragmatic randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and might overcome disadvantages such as difficult recruitment, dropout after randomization to control, and contamination. We investigated the applicability of the TwiCs design in an exercise oncology study regarding the recruitment process, representativeness of the study sample, contamination, participation, and dropout. METHODS The Utrecht cohort for Multiple BREast cancer intervention studies and Long-term evaLuAtion (UMBRELLA) Fit TwiCs evaluates an exercise intervention in inactive breast cancer patients. Eligible patients participating in the prospective UMBRELLA were identified and randomized. Patients randomized to the intervention (n = 130) were offered the intervention, whereas controls (n = 130) were not informed. RESULTS Fifty-two percent (n = 68) accepted the intervention. Because this rate was lower than expected, a larger sample size was required than initially estimated (n = 166). However, recruitment of 260 patients was still completed by one researcher within 30 months. Unselective eligibility screening and randomization before invitation improved representativeness. Disadvantage of the design might be inclusion of ineligible patients when cohort information is limited. Furthermore, the design faced higher noncompliance in the intervention group, but prevention of contamination. CONCLUSION The TwiCs design improved logistics in recruitment and prevented contamination, but noncompliance due to refusal of the intervention was higher compared with conventional pragmatic exercise oncology RCTs, which may dilute the estimated intervention effect.
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13
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Twenty years after ‘Listening to Prozac but hearing placebo’. Do we hear placebo even louder? HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REPORT 2019. [DOI: 10.5114/hpr.2019.83383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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14
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Kwakkenbos L, Juszczak E, Hemkens LG, Sampson M, Fröbert O, Relton C, Gale C, Zwarenstein M, Langan SM, Moher D, Boutron I, Ravaud P, Campbell MK, Mc Cord KA, van Staa TP, Thabane L, Uher R, Verkooijen HM, Benchimol EI, Erlinge D, Sauvé M, Torgerson D, Thombs BD. Protocol for the development of a CONSORT extension for RCTs using cohorts and routinely collected health data. Res Integr Peer Rev 2018; 3:9. [PMID: 30397513 PMCID: PMC6205772 DOI: 10.1186/s41073-018-0053-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are often complex and expensive to perform. Less than one third achieve planned recruitment targets, follow-up can be labor-intensive, and many have limited real-world generalizability. Designs for RCTs conducted using cohorts and routinely collected health data, including registries, electronic health records, and administrative databases, have been proposed to address these challenges and are being rapidly adopted. These designs, however, are relatively recent innovations, and published RCT reports often do not describe important aspects of their methodology in a standardized way. Our objective is to extend the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement with a consensus-driven reporting guideline for RCTs using cohorts and routinely collected health data. METHODS The development of this CONSORT extension will consist of five phases. Phase 1 (completed) consisted of the project launch, including fundraising, the establishment of a research team, and development of a conceptual framework. In phase 2, a systematic review will be performed to identify publications (1) that describe methods or reporting considerations for RCTs conducted using cohorts and routinely collected health data or (2) that are protocols or report results from such RCTs. An initial "long list" of possible modifications to CONSORT checklist items and possible new items for the reporting guideline will be generated based on the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) and The REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely-collected health Data (RECORD) statements. Additional possible modifications and new items will be identified based on the results of the systematic review. Phase 3 will consist of a three-round Delphi exercise with methods and content experts to evaluate the "long list" and generate a "short list" of key items. In phase 4, these items will serve as the basis for an in-person consensus meeting to finalize a core set of items to be included in the reporting guideline and checklist. Phase 5 will involve drafting the checklist and elaboration-explanation documents, and dissemination and implementation of the guideline. DISCUSSION Development of this CONSORT extension will contribute to more transparent reporting of RCTs conducted using cohorts and routinely collected health data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Kwakkenbos
- Behavioural Science Institute, Clinical Psychology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Edmund Juszczak
- NPEU Clinical Trials Unit, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lars G Hemkens
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Margaret Sampson
- Library Services, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ole Fröbert
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Clare Relton
- Centre for Clinical Trials and Methodology, Barts Institute of Population Health Science, Queen Mary University, London, UK
| | - Chris Gale
- Section of Neonatal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Campus, London, UK
| | - Merrick Zwarenstein
- Department of Family Medicine, Western University, London, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sinéad M Langan
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David Moher
- Centre for Journalology, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Isabelle Boutron
- INSERM, UMR1153, Paris, France
- Centre d’Épidémiologie Clinique, Hôpital Hôtel Dieu, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Ravaud
- INSERM, UMR1153, Paris, France
- Centre d’Épidémiologie Clinique, Hôpital Hôtel Dieu, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Kimberly A Mc Cord
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tjeerd P van Staa
- Health e-Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Faculty of Science, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Rudolf Uher
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Helena M Verkooijen
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eric I Benchimol
- Department of Pediatrics and School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ottawa, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David Erlinge
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maureen Sauvé
- Scleroderma Society of Ontario, Hamilton, Canada
- Scleroderma Canada, Hamilton, Canada
| | - David Torgerson
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Brett D Thombs
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 4333 Cote Ste Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E4 Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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15
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Viksveen P, Relton C. Depressed patients’ experiences with and perspectives on treatment provided by homeopaths. A qualitative interview study embedded in a trial. Eur J Integr Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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