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Trials

Randomised controlled trials are core to our work. We provide academic leadership in innovative trial design and work on trials in healthcare, education, police and prison settings. 

Trial methods

Our trial methods include feasibility studies, internal and external pilot studies, and quasi-experimental studies. RCT methods include, placebo and sham trials, cluster randomised trials, pragmatic and explanatory trials, multi-arm trials and factorial RCTs. 

Additional methods

Alongside most of our trials, we use other research methods. For example, analyses to assess cost effectiveness, evidence synthesis, assessments to evaluate processes such as implementation fidelity, or qualitative research to obtain valuable insight into the participant experience. 

Examples of our trial publications are given below. All trial publications are available on the relevant project webpage.

Agni N, Fairhurst CM, McDaid CM, et al. EnTraP: A Factorial Randomised Controlled Trial embedded within WHiTE 8 COPAL investigating the effect of an Enhanced Trainee Principal Investigator Package and Digital Nudge on recruitment rates. Research Methods in Medicine & Health Sciences 2022. Article.

Watson J, Coleman E, Jackson C, et al. A randomised controlled feasibility trial of an Active Communication Education programme plus hearing aid provision versus hearing aid provision alone (ACE To HEAR). BMJ Open 2021; 11. Article. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043364.

Mdege ND, Fairhurst CM, Wang HI, et al. Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a community-based smoke-free-home intervention with or without indoor-air quality feedback in Bangladesh (MCLASS II): a three-arm, cluster-randomised, controlled trial. The Lancet Global Health 2021; 9: e639-650. Article.

Cook E, Scantlebury A, Booth A, et al. Surgery versus conservative management of stable thoracolumbar fracture. the PRESTO feasibility RCT 2021; 25: 1-126. Article. DOI: 10.3310/hta25620.

Coleman T, Clark M, Welch C, et al. Effectiveness of offering tailored text message, self-help smoking cessation support to pregnant women who want information on stopping smoking. MiQuit3 randomised controlled trial and meta-analysis 2021. Article. DOI: 10.1111/add.15715.

Cockayne S, Pighills A, Fairhurst CM, et al. Home hazard assessment and environmental modification to prevent falls in older people. the OTIS trial 2021. Article.