Reducing bias in trials due to reactions to measurement: experts produced recommendations informed by evidence

French, D. P., Miles, L. M., Elbourne, D., Farmer, A., Gulliford, M., Locock, L., Sutton, S., McCambridge, J., Dundas, R. and Leyland, A. (2021) Reducing bias in trials due to reactions to measurement: experts produced recommendations informed by evidence. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 139, pp. 130-139. (doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.06.028) (PMID:34229092)

[img] Text
248517.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

799kB

Abstract

Objective: This study (MEasurement Reactions In Trials) aimed to produce recommendations on how best to minimise bias from measurement reactivity in randomised controlled trials of interventions to improve health. Study design and setting: The MERIT study consisted of: (a) an updated systematic review that examined whether measuring participants had effects on participants’ health-related behaviours, relative to no-measurement controls, and three rapid reviews to identify: (i) existing guidance on measurement reactivity; (ii) existing systematic reviews of studies that have quantified the effects of measurement on behavioural or affective outcomes; and (iii) studies that have investigated the effects of objective measurements of behaviour on health-related behaviour; (b) an Delphi study to identify the scope of the recommendations; and (c) an expert workshop in October 2018 to discuss potential recommendations in groups. Results: Fourteen recommendations were produced by the expert group to: (a) identify whether bias is likely to be a problem for a trial; (b) decide whether to collect data about whether bias is likely to be a problem; (c) design trials to minimise the likelihood of this bias. Conclusions: These recommendations raise awareness of how and where taking measurements can produce bias in trials, and are thus helpful for trial design.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Ruth Dundas and Alastair Leyland are members of the MERIT Collaborative group.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Leyland, Professor Alastair and Dundas, Professor Ruth
Authors: French, D. P., Miles, L. M., Elbourne, D., Farmer, A., Gulliford, M., Locock, L., Sutton, S., McCambridge, J., Dundas, R., and Leyland, A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0895-4356
ISSN (Online):1878-5921
Published Online:03 July 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 139: 130-139
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
727651Measuring and Analysing Socioeconomic Inequalities in HealthAlastair LeylandMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_UU_12017/13HW - MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
727651Measuring and Analysing Socioeconomic Inequalities in HealthAlastair LeylandOffice of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSO)SPHSU13HW - MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit