Abstract
Background
Methodological research into the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of trials is essential to optimise the process. UK specialists in the field have established a set of top priorities in aid of this research. These priorities however may not be reflected in the needs of similar research in low to middle income countries (LMICs) with different healthcare provision, resources and research infrastructure. The aim of the study was to identify the top priorities for methodological research in LMICs to inform further research and ultimately to improve clinical trials in these regions.
Methods
An online 2-round survey was conducted from Dec 2016 to April 2017 amongst researchers and methodologists working on trials in LMICs. The first round required participants to suggest between 3 and 6 topics which they felt were priorities for trials methodological research in LMICs. The second round invited participants to grade the importance of a compulsory list of topics suggested by 4 or more individuals, and an optional list of the remaining topics.
Findings
Rounds 1 and 2 were completed by 412 and 314 participants, respectively. A wide spread of years of experience, discipline, current country of residence, origin of trials training and area of involvement in trials was reported. The topics deemed most important for methodological research were: choosing appropriate outcomes to measure and training of research staff.
Conclusion
By presenting these top priorities we have the foundations of a global health trials methodological research agenda which we hope will foster future research in specific areas in order to increase and improve trials in LMICs.
Methodological research into the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of trials is essential to optimise the process. UK specialists in the field have established a set of top priorities in aid of this research. These priorities however may not be reflected in the needs of similar research in low to middle income countries (LMICs) with different healthcare provision, resources and research infrastructure. The aim of the study was to identify the top priorities for methodological research in LMICs to inform further research and ultimately to improve clinical trials in these regions.
Methods
An online 2-round survey was conducted from Dec 2016 to April 2017 amongst researchers and methodologists working on trials in LMICs. The first round required participants to suggest between 3 and 6 topics which they felt were priorities for trials methodological research in LMICs. The second round invited participants to grade the importance of a compulsory list of topics suggested by 4 or more individuals, and an optional list of the remaining topics.
Findings
Rounds 1 and 2 were completed by 412 and 314 participants, respectively. A wide spread of years of experience, discipline, current country of residence, origin of trials training and area of involvement in trials was reported. The topics deemed most important for methodological research were: choosing appropriate outcomes to measure and training of research staff.
Conclusion
By presenting these top priorities we have the foundations of a global health trials methodological research agenda which we hope will foster future research in specific areas in order to increase and improve trials in LMICs.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 48 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Trials |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 5 Feb 2018 |
Research Groups and Themes
- Centre for Surgical Research
Keywords
- Global health
- Priority setting
- Trials methodology