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Trials
Published in: Trials 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Review

Stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial designs: a review of reporting quality and design features

Authors: Michael J. Grayling, James M. S. Wason, Adrian P. Mander

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

The stepped wedge (SW) cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT) design is being used with increasing frequency. However, there is limited published research on the quality of reporting of SW-CRCTs. We address this issue by conducting a literature review.

Methods

Medline, Ovid, Web of Knowledge, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, the ISRCTN registry, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched to identify investigations employing the SW-CRCT design up to February 2015. For each included completed study, information was extracted on a selection of criteria, based on the CONSORT extension to CRCTs, to assess the quality of reporting.

Results

A total of 123 studies were included in our review, of which 39 were completed trial reports. The standard of reporting of SW-CRCTs varied in quality. The percentage of trials reporting each criterion varied to as low as 15.4%, with a median of 66.7%.

Conclusions

There is much room for improvement in the quality of reporting of SW-CRCTs. This is consistent with recent findings for CRCTs. A CONSORT extension for SW-CRCTs is warranted to standardize the reporting of SW-CRCTs.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial designs: a review of reporting quality and design features
Authors
Michael J. Grayling
James M. S. Wason
Adrian P. Mander
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-017-1783-0

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