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Rice TK, Rhodes RL. Culturally Sensitive Advance Care Planning for African American Advanced Cancer Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00719-X. [PMID: 38636817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.04.014] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Racial disparities in advance care planning (ACP) have been consistently identified in the literature. Few interventions have been designed to address the disparities identified. OBJECTIVES To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a culturally sensitive, pilot ACP intervention for African American patients diagnosed with cancer in a safety net healthcare system. METHODS Eligible patients with stage II, III, or IV breast, lung, colorectal, or prostate cancer were identified from the electronic health record, recruited, and randomized to the intervention group or usual care control group. Intervention participants met with an African American lay health advisor who assisted them in watching a video that addressed completion of ACP and facilitated ACP discussion. Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, cancer health literacy, and religious coping among participants. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate predictors of positive change in stage of intent to discuss ACP at 1, 3, and 6-months post intervention. RESULTS Seventy-six participants were recruited and randomized (38 intervention, 38 controls). The mean age for participants was 58.8 years (SD 10.8), 62.5% were female, and 90.2% had stage III or IV disease. The intervention proved feasible with 89.5% completion. Intervention participants were more likely to have a positive change in stage of intent to discuss a living will or advance directive than usual care controls at one-month (AOR: 4.57, 95%CI: 1.11, 18.82) and 3-months (AOR: 5.38, 95%CI: 1.05, 27.68) post-intervention. The majority (94.1%) of intervention participants would recommend the intervention to a friend or family member. CONCLUSION This culturally sensitive ACP program proved to be feasible, acceptable to participants, and showed some promise in promoting discussion about ACP among participants and members of their healthcare team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori Knox Rice
- Division of Hematology (T.K.R.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Ramona L Rhodes
- Division of Geriatric Medicine (R.L.R.), Department of Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health (R.L.R.), UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
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Wong WM, Chan DN, Choi KC, Choy YP, So WK. A multi-modal intervention for managing the fatigue-sleep disturbance-depressed mood symptom cluster in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A pilot study. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2023; 10:100269. [PMID: 37577038 PMCID: PMC10412720 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100269] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-modal intervention for managing the cancer-related fatigue-sleep disturbance-depressed mood (F-S-D) symptom cluster in patients with breast cancer (BC) and receiving chemotherapy in Hong Kong, and the preliminary effects of such intervention on the occurrence of the F-S-D symptom cluster in these patients. Methods This study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Patients with BC scheduled for chemotherapy were recruited. Intervention participants received a weekly nurse-led multi-modal intervention lasting 7 weeks. The feasibility parameters and adverse events were assessed using logbook records. Acceptability was evaluated using a program evaluation questionnaire. F-S-D symptoms and quality of life (QOL) were measured at baseline (T0), upon intervention completion (T1), and 3 months after intervention completion (T2). Generalized estimating equation analyses were used. Results Fifty participants were enrolled. The eligibility and enrollment rates were 11% and 87.7%, respectively. The rate of adherence to the intervention was 96%. No adverse events were reported. All participants were satisfied with the intervention, which had significant effects in terms of reducing the occurrence of the F-S-D symptom cluster at T2 (P = 0.035) and improving QOL at T1 and T2 (T1: P = 0.035; T2: P = 0.012). Conclusions The multi-modal intervention is a feasible, acceptable, and safe intervention that demonstrated preliminary positive effects in managing the F-S-D symptom cluster and improving QOL in patients with BC and receiving chemotherapy in Hong Kong. This study provides key insights into F-S-D symptom cluster management in patients with BC. Trial registration ChiCTR2100047819 (Chinese Clinical Trial Register).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Man Wong
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Princess Margaret Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dorothy N.S. Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai Chow Choi
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yin Ping Choy
- Princess Margaret Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Winnie K.W. So
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Gamarel KE, Darbes LA, Wall KM, Jones J, Washington C, Rosso M, Felder Claude K, Hightow-Weidman LB, Sullivan PS, Stephenson R. A Relationship-Focused HIV Prevention Intervention for Young Sexual Minority Men in the United States: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the We Prevent Intervention. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:2703-2719. [PMID: 36781618 PMCID: PMC9924851 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-03994-5] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
We Prevent is a virtual counseling intervention designed to improve communication as a mechanism for reducing HIV risk among young sexual minority men (SMM) in relationships. We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of We Prevent in comparison to standard Counseling, Testing, and Referral among a national sample of 318 SMM ages 15-24 in a pilot randomized control trial. We found significant differences in condomless sex with outside partners; however, there were no differences in other sexual behaviors, sexual agreements, intimate partner violence (IPV), or communication between the conditions across the 9-month follow-ups. Stratified analyses found non-significant trends suggestive that We Prevent may reduce condomless sex for those ages 15-17 and for relationships over 1-year and may reduce IPV in relationships over 1-year. Though study retention was adequate, session attendance was low. Exit interviews participants reported benefits of We Prevent and provided insights into how to increase uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2029, USA.
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeb Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Catherine Washington
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew Rosso
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Kristina Felder Claude
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Population and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Schäfer-Keller P, Graf D, Denhaerynck K, Santos GC, Girard J, Verga ME, Tschann K, Menoud G, Kaufmann AL, Leventhal M, Richards DA, Strömberg A. A multicomponent complex intervention for supportive follow-up of persons with chronic heart failure: a randomized controlled pilot study (the UTILE project). Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:106. [PMID: 37370176 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01338-7] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) is a progressive disease associated with a high burden of symptoms, high morbidity and mortality, and low quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and potential outcomes of a novel multicomponent complex intervention, to inform a future full-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Switzerland. METHODS We conducted a pilot RCT at a secondary care hospital for people with HF hospitalized due to decompensated HF or with a history of HF decompensation over the past 6 months. We randomized 1:1; usual care for the control (CG) and intervention group (IG) who received the intervention as well as usual care. Feasibility measures included patient recruitment rate, study nurse time, study attrition, the number and duration of consultations, intervention acceptability and intervention fidelity. Patient-reported outcomes included HF-specific self-care and HF-related health status (KCCQ-12) at 3 months follow-up. Clinical outcomes were all-cause mortality, hospitalization and days spent in hospital. RESULTS We recruited 60 persons with HF (age mean = 75.7 years, ± 8.9) over a 62-week period, requiring 1011 h of study nurse time. Recruitment rate was 46.15%; study attrition rate was 31.7%. Follow-up included 2.14 (mean, ± 0.97) visits per patient lasting a total of 166.96 min (mean, ± 72.55), and 3.1 (mean, ± 1.7) additional telephone contacts. Intervention acceptability was high. Mean intervention fidelity was 0.71. We found a 20-point difference in mean self-care management change from baseline to 3 months in favour of the IG (Cohens' d = 0.59). Small effect sizes for KCCQ-12 variables; less IG participants worsened in health status compared to CG participants. Five deaths occurred (IG = 3, CG = 2). There were 13 (IG) and 18 (CG) all-cause hospital admissions; participants spent 8.90 (median, IQR = 9.70, IG) and 15.38 (median, IQR = 18.41, CG) days in hospital. A subsequent full-scale effectiveness trial would require 304 (for a mono-centric trial) and 751 participants (for a ten-centre trial) for HF-related QoL (effect size = 0.3; power = 0.80, alpha = 0.05). CONCLUSION We found the intervention, research methods and outcomes were feasible and acceptable. We propose increasing intervention fidelity strategies for a full-scale trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN10151805 , retrospectively registered 04/10/2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Schäfer-Keller
- Institute of Applied Research in Health, School of Health Sciences Fribourg, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg, Switzerland.
- Cardiology, HFR Fribourg - Hôpital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Denis Graf
- Cardiology, HFR Fribourg - Hôpital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Kris Denhaerynck
- Institute of Nursing Science, Department of Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gabrielle Cécile Santos
- Institute of Applied Research in Health, School of Health Sciences Fribourg, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Josepha Girard
- Institute of Applied Research in Health, School of Health Sciences Fribourg, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Elise Verga
- Institute of Applied Research in Health, School of Health Sciences Fribourg, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Kelly Tschann
- Institute of Applied Research in Health, School of Health Sciences Fribourg, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Menoud
- Institute of Applied Research in Health, School of Health Sciences Fribourg, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Laure Kaufmann
- Data Acquisition Unit, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Sion, Switzerland
| | | | - David A Richards
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Strömberg
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences and Department of Cardiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Bourne JE, Leary S, Page A, Searle A, England C, Thompson D, Andrews RC, Foster C, Cooper AR. Electrically assisted cycling for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:60. [PMID: 37072802 PMCID: PMC10111297 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01283-5] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated complications puts considerable strain on healthcare systems. With the global incidence of T2DM increasing, effective disease management is essential. Physical activity (PA) is a key component of T2DM management; however, rates of PA engagement are low in this population. Developing effective and sustainable interventions that encourage PA is a high priority. Electrically assisted bicycles are becoming increasingly popular and may increase PA in healthy adults. This study aimed to provide evidence of the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of an e-cycling intervention to increase PA and improve health in individuals with T2DM. METHODS A parallel-group two-arm randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot study was conducted. Individuals were randomized to either an e-bike intervention or standard care. The intervention incorporated two one-to-one e-bike skills training and behavioural counselling sessions delivered by a community-based cycling charity, followed by a 12-week e-bike loan with two further sessions with the instructors. Feasibility was assessed via measures related to recruitment, retention and intervention implementation. Post-intervention interviews with instructors and participants explored the acceptability of the study procedures and intervention. Clinical, physiological and behavioural outcomes were collected at baseline and post-intervention to evaluate the intervention's potential. RESULTS Forty participants (Mage = 57) were randomized, of which 34 were recruited from primary care practices. Thirty-five participants were retained in the trial. The intervention was conducted with high fidelity (> 80% content delivered). E-bike training provided participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to e-bike independently. Instructors reported being more confident delivering the skills training than behavioural counselling, despite acknowledging its importance. The study procedures were found to be acceptable to participants. Between-group differences in change during the intervention were indicative of the interventions potential for improving glucose control, health-related quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness. Increases in overall device measured moderate-to-vigorous PA behaviour following the intervention were found, and there was evidence that this population self-selected to e-cycle at a moderate intensity. CONCLUSIONS The study's recruitment, retention, acceptability and potential efficacy support the development of a definitive trial subject to identified refinements. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ISRCTN67421464 . Registered 17/12/2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Bourne
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School of Policy Studies, University of Bristol, 8 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TZ, UK.
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Sam Leary
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Angie Page
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School of Policy Studies, University of Bristol, 8 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TZ, UK
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Aidan Searle
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Clare England
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Dylan Thompson
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7PB, UK
| | - Robert C Andrews
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Medical Research, University of Exeter Medical School, RILD Level 3, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, Devon, UK
| | - Charlie Foster
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School of Policy Studies, University of Bristol, 8 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TZ, UK
| | - Ashley R Cooper
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School of Policy Studies, University of Bristol, 8 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TZ, UK
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Mann K, Waters AR, Park ER, Perez GK, Vaca Lopez PL, Kaddas HK, Warner EL, Ray N, Tsukamoto T, Allen K, Haaland B, Fair DB, Lewis MA, Kirchhoff AC. HIAYA CHAT study protocol: a randomized controlled trial of a health insurance education intervention for newly diagnosed adolescent and young adult cancer patients. Trials 2022; 23:682. [PMID: 35986416 PMCID: PMC9388989 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06590-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients aged 18 to 39 years, health insurance literacy is crucial for an effective use of the health care system. AYAs often face high out-of-pocket costs or have unmet health care needs due to costs. Improving health insurance literacy could help AYAs obtain appropriate and affordable health care. This protocol illustrates a randomized controlled trial testing a virtual health insurance education intervention among AYA patients. METHODS This is a two-arm multisite randomized controlled trial. A total of 80 AYAs diagnosed with cancer in the Mountain West region will be allocated to either usual navigation care or tailored health insurance education intervention with a patient navigator that includes usual care. All participants will complete a baseline and follow-up survey 5 months apart. The primary outcomes are feasibility (number enrolled and number of sessions completed) and acceptability (5-point scale on survey measuring satisfaction of the intervention). The secondary outcomes are preliminary efficacy measured by the Health Insurance Literacy Measure and the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity. DISCUSSION This trial makes a timely contribution to test the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual AYA-centered health insurance education program. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04448678. Registered on June 26, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karely Mann
- Cancer Control & Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Austin R. Waters
- Cancer Control & Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Elyse R. Park
- Health Promotion & Resiliency Intervention Research Program, Mongan Institute, Boston, MA USA
- Departments of Psychiatry & Medicine, Mass General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Giselle K. Perez
- Health Promotion & Resiliency Intervention Research Program, Mongan Institute, Boston, MA USA
- Departments of Psychiatry & Medicine, Mass General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Perla L. Vaca Lopez
- Cancer Control & Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Heydon K. Kaddas
- Cancer Control & Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Echo L. Warner
- Cancer Control & Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Nicole Ray
- Cancer Control & Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Tomoko Tsukamoto
- Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Care Program, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Karlie Allen
- AYA Patient Navigation Program, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Ben Haaland
- Cancer Control & Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Douglas B. Fair
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
- Primary Children’s Hospital, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Mark A. Lewis
- Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Care Program, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Anne C. Kirchhoff
- Cancer Control & Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
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Feldman PH, McDonald MV, Onorato N, Stein J, Williams O. Feasibility of deploying peer coaches to mentor frontline home health aides and promote mobility among individuals recovering from a stroke: pilot test of a randomized controlled trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:22. [PMID: 35101133 PMCID: PMC8801561 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-00979-4] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Each year, approximately 100,000 individuals receive home health services after a stroke. Evidence has shown the benefits of home-based stroke rehabilitation, but little is known about resource-efficient ways to enhance its effectiveness, nor has anyone explored the value of leveraging low-cost home health aides (HHAs) to reinforce repetitive task training, a key component of home-based rehabilitation. We developed and piloted a Stroke Homehealth Aide Recovery Program (SHARP) that deployed specially trained HHAs as "peer coaches" to mentor frontline aides and help individuals recovering from stroke increase their mobility through greater adherence to repetitive exercise regimens. We assessed the feasibility of SHARP and its readiness for a full-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT). Specifically, we examined (1) the practicability of recruitment and randomization procedures, (2) program acceptability, (3) intervention fidelity, and (4) the performance of outcome measures. METHODS This was a feasibility study including a pilot RCT. Target enrollment was 60 individuals receiving post-stroke home health services, who were randomized to SHARP + usual home care or usual care only. The protocol specified a 30-day intervention with four planned in-home coach visits, including one joint coach/physical therapist visit. The primary participant outcome was 60-day change in mobility, using the performance-based Timed Up and Go and 4-Meter Walk Gait Speed tests. Interviews with participants, coaches, physical therapists, and frontline aides provided acceptability data. Enrollment figures, visit tracking reports, and audio recordings provided intervention fidelity data. Mixed methods included thematic analysis of qualitative data and quantitative analysis of structured data to examine the intervention feasibility and performance of outcome measures. RESULTS Achieving the 60-participant enrollment target required modifying participant eligibility criteria to accommodate a decline in the receipt of HHA services among individuals receiving home care after a stroke. This modification entailed intervention redesign. Acceptability was high among coaches and participants but lower among therapists and frontline aides. Intervention fidelity was mixed: 87% of intervention participants received all four planned coach visits; however, no joint coach/therapist visits occurred. Sixty-day follow-up retention was 78%. However, baseline and follow-up performance-based primary outcome mobility assessments could be completed for only 55% of participants. CONCLUSIONS The trial was not feasible in its current form. Before progressing to a definitive trial, significant program redesign would be required to address issues affecting enrollment, coach/HHA/therapist coordination, and implementation of performance-based outcome measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04840407 . Retrospectively registered on 9 April 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny H Feldman
- Center for Home Care Policy & Research, Visiting Nurse Service of New York, 220 East 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | - Margaret V McDonald
- Center for Home Care Policy & Research, Visiting Nurse Service of New York, 220 East 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10017, USA.
| | - Nicole Onorato
- Center for Home Care Policy & Research, Visiting Nurse Service of New York, 220 East 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | - Joel Stein
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 180 Ft. Washington Ave., Harkness Pavilion Room 1-165, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Olajide Williams
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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Shargall Y, Schneider L, Linkins LA, Crowther M, Farrokhyar F, Waddell TK, de Perrot M, Douketis J, Lopez-Hernandez Y, Schnurr T, Haider E, Agzarian J, Hanna WC, Finley C. Double Blind Pilot Randomized Trial Comparing Extended Anticoagulation to Placebo Following Major Lung Resection for Cancer. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2021; 33:1123-1134. [PMID: 33713826 DOI: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2021.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which comprises pulmonary embolus (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a significant cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. This pilot randomized control trial (RCT) evaluated the feasibility of a full-scale RCT investigating extended thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing oncological lung resections. Patients undergoing oncological lung resections in 2 tertiary centers received in-hospital, thromboprophylaxis and were randomized to receive post-discharge low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or placebo injections once-daily for 30 days. At 30 days postoperatively, all patients underwent chest computed tomography with PE protocol and bilateral leg venous ultrasound. Primary outcomes included feasibility and safety; VTE incidence and 90-day survival were secondary outcomes. Between December 2015 and June 2018, 619 patients were screened, of whom 62.7% (165/263) of eligible patients consented to participate, and 133 (81%) were randomized. One-hundred and 3 patients, (77.4%), completed the 90-day study follow-up. Reasons for non-participation pre-randomization included patient discomfort and LMWH/placebo administration challenges. Post-randomization withdrawals were due to patient preference, surgeon preference and minor adverse events. Six asymptomatic VTE events (5 PE and 1 DVT) were detected within 30 days (3 in each group), for an overall incidence of 7%. There were 3 minor and no major adverse events. This study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of a full-scale extended thromboprophylaxis RCT in thoracic surgical oncology. Our results demonstrate that, while recruitment and retention rates were modest, the study design is feasible and with minimal adverse events and no intervention-related mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Shargall
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Thoracic Surgery, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Laura Schneider
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lori-Ann Linkins
- Division of Hematology and Thromboembolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Crowther
- Division of Hematology and Thromboembolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Forough Farrokhyar
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas K Waddell
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc de Perrot
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Douketis
- Division of Hematology and Thromboembolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Division of Thoracic Surgery, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Yessica Lopez-Hernandez
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terri Schnurr
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ehsan Haider
- Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Agzarian
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Division of Thoracic Surgery, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Waël C Hanna
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Division of Thoracic Surgery, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christian Finley
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Division of Thoracic Surgery, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Steffens D, Young J, Beckenkamp PR, Ratcliffe J, Rubie F, Ansari N, Pillinger N, Koh C, Munoz PA, Solomon M. Feasibility and acceptability of a preoperative exercise program for patients undergoing major cancer surgery: results from a pilot randomized controlled trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2021; 7:27. [PMID: 33441181 PMCID: PMC7805142 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-021-00765-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To establish the feasibility and acceptability of a preoperative exercise program, and to obtain pilot data on the likely difference in key surgical outcomes to inform the sample size calculation for a full-scale trial. Design Pilot randomized controlled trial. Setting Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Subjects We included patients undergoing elective pelvic exenteration or cytoreductive surgery aged 18 to 80 years, who presented to the participating gastrointestinal surgeon at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Patients presenting cognitive impairment, co-morbidity preventing participation in exercise, inadequate English language, currently participating in an exercise program or unable to attend the exercise program sessions were excluded. Methods Participants were randomized to a 2–6 weeks preoperative, face-to-face, individualised exercise program or to usual care. Feasibility was assessed with consent rates to the study, and for the intervention group, retention and adherence rates to the preoperative exercise program. Acceptability of the exercise program was assessed with a semi-structured questionnaire exploring the advice received and the amount, duration and intensity of the exercise program. In addition, postoperative complication rates (Clavien-Dindo), length of hospital stay and self-reported measures of health-related quality of life (SF-36v2) were collected at baseline, day before surgery and in-hospital up to discharge from hospital. Results Of 122 patients screened, 26 (21%) were eligible and 22 (85%) accepted to participate in the trial and were randomized to the intervention (11; 50%) or control group (11; 50%). The median age of the include participants was 63 years. Adherence to the preoperative exercise sessions was 92.7%, with all participants either satisfied (33%) or extremely satisfied (67%) with the overall design of the preoperative exercise program. No significant differences in outcomes were found between groups. Conclusions The results of our pilot trial demonstrate that a preoperative exercise program is feasible and acceptable to patients undergoing major abdominal cancer surgery. There is an urgent need for a definite trial investigating the effectiveness of a preoperative exercise program on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing major abdominal cancer surgery. This could potentially reduce postoperative complication rates, length of hospital stay and subsequently overall health care costs. Trial registration ACTRN12617001129370. Registered on August 1, 2017, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373396&showOriginal=true&isReview=true Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-021-00765-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Steffens
- Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Building 89, Leval 9, Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| | - Jane Young
- Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Building 89, Leval 9, Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.,Institiute of Academic Surgery (IAS), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, 145-147 Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Paula R Beckenkamp
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, 2141, Australia
| | - James Ratcliffe
- Department of Physiotherapy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Freya Rubie
- Department of Physiotherapy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Nabila Ansari
- Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Neil Pillinger
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Building 89, Leval 9, Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.,Department of Anaesthetics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Cherry Koh
- Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Phillip A Munoz
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, 2141, Australia.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Michael Solomon
- Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Building 89, Leval 9, Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.,Institiute of Academic Surgery (IAS), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, 145-147 Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
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10
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Kalron A, Achiron A, Pau M, Cocco E. The effect of a telerehabilitation virtual reality intervention on functional upper limb activities in people with multiple sclerosis: a study protocol for the TEAMS pilot randomized controlled trial. Trials 2020; 21:713. [PMID: 32787896 PMCID: PMC7425044 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04650-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 60% of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) suffer from upper limb dysfunction. Our primary goal is to implement a single-blind, randomized control trial (RCT) designed to compare the effectiveness of an 8-week home-based telerehab virtual reality (VR) program with conventional therapy in PwMS with manual dexterity difficulties. Secondary aims include (a) evaluating the impact of the programs on quality of life after the intervention and a follow-up 1 month later and (b) evaluating the impact of the programs on adherence and satisfaction. Methods Twenty-four PwMS will be recruited to the study which will be conducted at two established MS centers: (1) The Regional Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, Binaghi Hospital, Cagliari, Italy, and (2) The Multiple Sclerosis Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel. Participants will complete a total of three assessments focusing on upper limb functions. Both groups will receive 16 training sessions focusing on functional upper limb activities. The home-based telerehab VR intervention will comprise a custom-made software program running on a private computer or laptop. PwMS will perform several activities of daily living (ADL) functions associated with self-care, dressing, and meal preparation. Conventional therapy will focus on task-related upper-limb treatments while in a sitting position, indicative of the standard care in MS. Following 8 weeks of training, participants will complete a further outcome assessment. The same tests will be conducted 1 month (as a follow-up) after completion of the intervention. Discussion The outcomes of this study have tremendous potential to improve the quality of evidence and informed decisions of functional upper limb activities in PwMS. If comparable results are found between the treatments in improving upper limb outcomes, this would suggest that PwMS can choose the program that best meets their personal needs, e.g., financial concerns, transportation, or accessibility issues. Secondly, this information can be used by healthcare providers and medical professionals in developing upper limb exercise programs that will most likely succeed in PwMS. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04032431. Registered on 19 July 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alon Kalron
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel. .,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Anat Achiron
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Massimiliano Pau
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Lisi AJ, Scheinowitz M, Saporito R, Onorato A. A Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Device for Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Pain Ther 2019; 8:133-140. [PMID: 30868475 PMCID: PMC6513933 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-019-0119-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low back pain (LBP) poses a significant burden of disease worldwide, and identifying safe and effective non-pharmacologic treatment options for LBP is a research priority. The aim of this study was to pilot a clinical trial of a portable pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy device for subjects with mixed duration non-specific LBP. Methods This work was a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel-group study conducted at a chiropractic school outpatient clinic. The primary end point was functional capacity measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Analysis was conducted on the intent-to-treat population and as a trend of change in pain scores over time using the Freidman test of repeated measures. Results Forty-two participants were randomized to receive usual care plus PEMF therapy or usual care plus sham, and 25 completed the study. Significant improvements in ODI scores from baseline to week 6 were reported in the experimental group (χ2 = 14.68, p < 0.001, compared with patients in the sham group, χ2 = 4.00, p = 0.135, n.s.). This difference persisted at week-12 follow-up. Adverse events were rare and mild. Conclusion It is feasible to conduct a clinical trial of a PEMF therapy device for non-specific LBP. This work shows that the device was safe and provides preliminary evidence of effectiveness in improving function in patients with non-specific LBP. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03053375. Funding Aerotel Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Lisi
- School of Chiropractic, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, USA.
| | - Mickey Scheinowitz
- Aerotel, Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sylvan Adams Sports Institute, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Richard Saporito
- School of Chiropractic, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, USA
| | - Anthony Onorato
- School of Chiropractic, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, USA
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Ueda T, Higuchi Y, Imaoka M, Todo E, Kitagawa T, Ando S. Tailored education program using home floor plans for falls prevention in discharged older patients: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2017; 71:9-13. [PMID: 28242580 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of a tailored education program using home floor plans on falls prevention in discharged older patients. DESIGN A single-center, parallel, pragmatic, pilot randomized controlled trial with equal allocation to the intervention and control groups. SETTING Discharged hospital patients were followed-up in their home settings. PARTICIPANTS All discharged orthopedic patients aged ≥65 years who experienced ≥1 fall(s) in the past year (n=60). INTERVENTIONS Both groups received standard care (exercises) and the intervention group also received a tailored education program for falls prevention using home floor plans. MEASUREMENTS Falls and near-falls at the participants' homes using a 1-month fall calendar during the 1-month period after discharge. The evaluators were blinded at the baseline assessment. RESULTS Nine participants were withdrawn from the study, leaving 51 of 60 (85%) participants for the final analyses. No falls occurred in the intervention group (n=25) during follow-up. However, 2 participants (7.7%) fell in the control group (n=26). Near-falls were reported by 7 participants (28.0%) in the intervention group and 13 participants (50.0%) in the control group. The intervention group had 75% less near-falls compared with the control group, as assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.75). CONCLUSIONS The tailored education program using home floor plans at the hospital was effective for reducing falls and near-falls among discharged orthopedic patients. Registration of clinical trials: This study was registered with the Research Ethics Committee of University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Center (000018201).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Ueda
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, Habikino City, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Yumi Higuchi
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, Habikino City, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Masakazu Imaoka
- Section of Cohort Study for Longevity, Department of Preventive Gerontology, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Moriokacho, Obu City, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Emiko Todo
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, Habikino City, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Tomomi Kitagawa
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, Habikino City, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Suguru Ando
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, Habikino City, Osaka, Japan.
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13
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Thabane L, Hopewell S, Lancaster GA, Bond CM, Coleman CL, Campbell MJ, Eldridge SM. Methods and processes for development of a CONSORT extension for reporting pilot randomized controlled trials. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2016; 2:25. [PMID: 27965844 PMCID: PMC5153862 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-016-0065-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Feasibility and pilot studies are essential components of planning or preparing for a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT). They are intended to provide useful information about the feasibility of the main RCT—with the goal of reducing uncertainty and thereby increasing the chance of successfully conducting the main RCT. However, research has shown that there are serious inadequacies in the reporting of pilot and feasibility studies. Reasons for this include a lack of explicit publication policies for pilot and feasibility studies in many journals, unclear definitions of what constitutes a pilot or feasibility RCT/study, and a lack of clarity in the objectives and methodological focus. All these suggest that there is an urgent need for new guidelines for reporting pilot and feasibility studies. Objectives The aim of this paper is to describe the methods and processes in our development of an extension to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Statement for reporting pilot and feasibility RCTs, that are executed in preparation for a future, more definitive RCT. Methods/design There were five overlapping parts to the project: (i) the project launch—which involved establishing a working group and conducting a review of the literature; (ii) stakeholder engagement—which entailed consultation with the CONSORT group, journal editors and publishers, the clinical trials community, and funders; (iii) a Delphi process—used to assess the agreement of experts on initial definitions and to generate a reporting checklist for pilot RCTs, based on the 2010 CONSORT statement extension applicable to reporting pilot studies; (iv) a consensus meeting—to discuss, add, remove, or modify checklist items, with input from experts in the field; and (v) write-up and implementation—which included a guideline document which gives an explanation and elaboration (E&E) and which will provide advice for each item, together with examples of good reporting practice. This final part also included a plan for dissemination and publication of the guideline. Conclusions We anticipate that implementation of our guideline will improve the reporting completeness, transparency, and quality of pilot RCTs, and hence benefit several constituencies, including authors of journal manuscripts, funding agencies, educators, researchers, and end-users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lehana Thabane
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario Canada
| | - Sally Hopewell
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gillian A Lancaster
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire UK
| | - Christine M Bond
- Centre of Academic Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Claire L Coleman
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Michael J Campbell
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire UK
| | - Sandra M Eldridge
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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