Abstract

Cluster randomised trials are essential for evaluating certain types of interventions. Issues affecting their internal validity, such as appropriate sample size calculations and analysis, have been widely disseminated and are now better addressed by researchers. Blinding of those identifying and recruiting patients to allocation status is recommended but is not always carried out. There may be fewer barriers to internal validity in trials in which individual participants are not recruited. External validity seems poorly addressed in many trials, yet is arguably as important as internal validity in judging quality as a basis for healthcare intervention.

Keywords

BlindingInternal validityExternal validityMedicinePsychological interventionConsolidated Standards of Reporting TrialsCluster (spacecraft)MEDLINESystematic reviewClinical trialSample size determinationFamily medicineRandomized controlled trialCluster randomised controlled trialPsychologyNursingStatisticsInternal medicinePathologySocial psychologyComputer science

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Publication Info

Year
2008
Type
review
Volume
336
Issue
7649
Pages
876-880
Citations
224
Access
Closed

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Sandra Eldridge, Deborah Ashby, Catherine Bennett et al. (2008). Internal and external validity of cluster randomised trials: systematic review of recent trials. BMJ , 336 (7649) , 876-880. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39517.495764.25

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DOI
10.1136/bmj.39517.495764.25