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Arundel CE, Clark LK, Parker A, Beard D, Coleman E, Cooper C, Devane D, Eldridge S, Galvin S, Gillies K, Hewitt CE, Sutton C, Torgerson DJ, Treweek S. Trial Forge Guidance 4: a guideline for reporting the results of randomised Studies Within A Trial (SWATs). Trials 2024; 25:183. [PMID: 38475795 PMCID: PMC10935912 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08004-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence to support decisions on trial processes is minimal. One way to generate this evidence is to use a Study Within A Trial (SWAT) to test trial processes or explore methodological uncertainties. SWAT evidence relies on replication to ensure sufficient power and broad applicability of findings. Prompt reporting is therefore essential; however, SWAT publications are often the first to be abandoned in the face of other time pressures. Reporting guidance for embedded methodology trials does exist but is not widely used. We sought therefore to build on these guidelines to develop a straightforward, concise reporting standard, which remains adherent to the CONSORT guideline. METHODS An iterative process was used to develop the guideline. This included initial meetings with key stakeholders, development of an initial guideline, pilot testing of draft guidelines, further iteration and pilot testing, and finalisation of the guideline. RESULTS We developed a reporting guideline applicable to randomised SWATs, including replications of previous evaluations. The guideline follows the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement and provides example text to ensure ease and clarity of reporting across all domains. CONCLUSIONS The SWAT reporting guideline will aid authors, reviewers, and journal editors to produce and review clear, structured reports of randomised SWATs, whilst also adhering to the CONSORT guideline. TRIAL REGISTRATION EQUATOR Network - Guidelines Under Development ( https://www.equator-network.org/library/reporting-guidelines-under-development/reporting-guidelines-under-development-for-clinical-trials/#SWAT ). Registered on 25 March 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Arundel
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Lower Ground Floor ARRC Building, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - L K Clark
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Lower Ground Floor ARRC Building, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - A Parker
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Lower Ground Floor ARRC Building, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - D Beard
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - E Coleman
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Lower Ground Floor ARRC Building, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - C Cooper
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - D Devane
- HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - S Eldridge
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - S Galvin
- HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - K Gillies
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - C E Hewitt
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Lower Ground Floor ARRC Building, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - C Sutton
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - D J Torgerson
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Lower Ground Floor ARRC Building, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - S Treweek
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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