Learning from failure - rationale and design for a study about discontinuation of randomized trials (DISCO study).

Détails

Ressource 1Télécharger: BIB_CD13A96169FA.P001.pdf (434.36 [Ko])
Etat: Public
Version: Final published version
ID Serval
serval:BIB_CD13A96169FA
Type
Article: article d'un périodique ou d'un magazine.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Titre
Learning from failure - rationale and design for a study about discontinuation of randomized trials (DISCO study).
Périodique
BMC Medical Research Methodology
Auteur⸱e⸱s
Kasenda B., von Elm E.B., You J., Blümle A., Tomonaga Y., Saccilotto R., Amstutz A., Bengough T., Meerpohl J., Stegert M., Tikkinen K.A., Neumann I., Carrasco-Labra A., Faulhaber M., Mulla S., Mertz D., Akl E.A., Bassler D., Busse J.W., Ferreira-González I., Lamontagne F., Nordmann A., Rosenthal R., Schandelmaier S., Sun X., Vandvik P.O., Johnston B.C., Walter M.A., Burnand B., Schwenkglenks M., Bucher H.C., Guyatt G.H., Briel M.
ISSN
1471-2288 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
1471-2288
Statut éditorial
Publié
Date de publication
2012
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
12
Pages
art. 131 [10 p.]
Langue
anglais
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article
Résumé
BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) may be discontinued because of apparent harm, benefit, or futility. Other RCTs are discontinued early because of insufficient recruitment. Trial discontinuation has ethical implications, because participants consent on the premise of contributing to new medical knowledge, Research Ethics Committees (RECs) spend considerable effort reviewing study protocols, and limited resources for conducting research are wasted. Currently, little is known regarding the frequency and characteristics of discontinued RCTs.
METHODS/DESIGN: Our aims are, first, to determine the prevalence of RCT discontinuation for specific reasons; second, to determine whether the risk of RCT discontinuation for specific reasons differs between investigator- and industry-initiated RCTs; third, to identify risk factors for RCT discontinuation due to insufficient recruitment; fourth, to determine at what stage RCTs are discontinued; and fifth, to examine the publication history of discontinued RCTs.We are currently assembling a multicenter cohort of RCTs based on protocols approved between 2000 and 2002/3 by 6 RECs in Switzerland, Germany, and Canada. We are extracting data on RCT characteristics and planned recruitment for all included protocols. Completion and publication status is determined using information from correspondence between investigators and RECs, publications identified through literature searches, or by contacting the investigators. We will use multivariable regression models to identify risk factors for trial discontinuation due to insufficient recruitment. We aim to include over 1000 RCTs of which an anticipated 150 will have been discontinued due to insufficient recruitment.
DISCUSSION: Our study will provide insights into the prevalence and characteristics of RCTs that were discontinued. Effective recruitment strategies and the anticipation of problems are key issues in the planning and evaluation of trials by investigators, Clinical Trial Units, RECs and funding agencies. Identification and modification of barriers to successful study completion at an early stage could help to reduce the risk of trial discontinuation, save limited resources, and enable RCTs to better meet their ethical requirements.
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Oui
Création de la notice
22/01/2013 16:02
Dernière modification de la notice
20/08/2019 15:47
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