SynthesisBMC medical research methodology2019
The current use of feasibility studies in the assessment of feasibility for stepped-wedge cluster randomised trials: a systematic review.
Synthesis in BMC medical research methodology, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
8 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Reported problems and responses during the conduct of stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials in healthcare settings: a qualitative systematic review.International journal of epidemiology · 2026Pooled it
- Implementation of a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial to evaluate a hospital mobility program.Trials · 2020Trial
- Assessing the implementation and effectiveness of early integrated palliative care in long-term care facilities in France: an interventional mixed-methods study protocol.BMC palliative care · 2023Article
- Systematic review of the characteristics of school-based feasibility cluster randomised trials of interventions for improving the health of pupils in the UK.Pilot and feasibility studies · 2022Review
- Are some feasibility studies more feasible than others? A review of the outcomes of feasibility studies on the ISRCTN registry.Pilot and feasibility studies · 2021Review
- A non-randomized pilot study to test the feasibility of treating chronic pain and opioid prescription use in rural areas with acceptance and commitment therapy (T-PACT).Journal of clinical and translational science · 2020Article
- Design, rationale and analysis plan for the Stand Up for Health trial in contact centres: a stepped wedge feasibility study.Pilot and feasibility studies · 2020Article
- A website for pilot and feasibility studies: giving your research the best chance of success.Pilot and feasibility studies · 2019Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundStepped-wedge cluster randomised trials (SW-CRTs) are a pragmatic trial design, providing an unprecedented opportunity to increase the robustness of evidence underpinning implementation and quality improvement interventions. Given the complexity of the SW-CRT, the likelihood of trials not delivering on their objectives will be mitigated if a feasibility study precedes the definitive trial. It is not currently known if feasibility studies are being conducted for SW-CRTs nor what the objectives of these studies are.
methodsSearches were conducted of several databases to identify published feasibility studies which were designed to inform a future SW-CRT. For each eligible study, data were extracted on the characteristics of and rationale for the feasibility study; the process for determining progression to the main trial; how the feasibility study informed the main trial; and whether the main trial went ahead. A narrative synthesis and descriptive analysis are presented.
resultsEleven feasibility studies were identified, which included eight completed study reports and three protocols. Three studies used a stepped-wedge design and these were the only studies to be randomised. Studies were predominantly of a mixed-methods design. Only one study assessed specific features related to the feasibility of using a SW-CRT and one investigated the time taken to complete the study procedures. The other studies were mostly assessing the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention.
conclusionPublished feasibility studies for SW-CRTs are scarce and those that are being reported do not investigate issues specific to the complexities of the trial design. When conducting feasibility studies in advance of a definitive SW-CRT, researchers should consider assessing the feasibility of study procedures, particularly those specific to the SW-CRT design, and ensure that the findings are published for the benefit of other researchers.
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.