Conducting and reporting trials for older people

Witham, M. D. and Stott, D. J. (2017) Conducting and reporting trials for older people. Age and Ageing, 46(6), pp. 889-894. (doi: 10.1093/ageing/afx153) (PMID:28985243)

Abstract

Randomised controlled trials provide the most rigorous test of efficacy and effectiveness for interventions used in healthcare. They underpin much of clinical practice, yet older people are often excluded from studies, resulting in uncertainty about risks and benefits of new treatments. Encouraging inclusion of older people in randomised controlled trials and reporting of trial results in a rigorous manner is a key function of clinical geriatrics journals such as Age and Ageing. This article provides practical advice on how to report randomised controlled trials that are targeted at older people. Some of these issues are generic, but there are specific requirements which apply to most studies of older people. Recording and reporting basic characteristics of recruits in terms of physical function, cognition, comorbidity and/or frailty is vital to allow proper interpretation of the external validity of the trial. Adverse effects should include consideration of common geriatric problems including falls. Authors should follow the CONSORT reporting guidelines (CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials) to enhance the transparency and quality of their manuscript.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Research methods, older people, randomised controlled trials.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Stott J, Professor David
• Authors: Witham, M. D., and Stott, D. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Age and Ageing
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 0002-0729
• ISSN (Online): 1468-2834
• Published Online: 30 August 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 Oxford University Press
• First Published: First published in Age and Ageing 46(6):889-894
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher