Reporting and methodological quality of sample size calculations in cluster randomized trials could be improved: a review

Clare Rutterford; Monica Taljaard; Stephanie Dixon; Andrew Copas; Sandra Eldridge

doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2014.10.006

Reporting and methodological quality of sample size calculations in cluster randomized trials could be improved: a review

J Clin Epidemiol. 2015 Jun;68(6):716-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2014.10.006. Epub 2014 Dec 15.

Authors

Clare Rutterford¹, Monica Taljaard², Stephanie Dixon³, Andrew Copas⁴, Sandra Eldridge⁵

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Yvonne Carter Building, 58 Turner Street, London E1 2AB, UK. Electronic address: c.m.rutterford@qmul.ac.uk.
² Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus, 1053 Carling Avenue, Civic Box 693, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
³ Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Density, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada.
⁴ Hub for Trials Methodology Research, MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK.
⁵ Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Yvonne Carter Building, 58 Turner Street, London E1 2AB, UK.

PMID: 25523375
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2014.10.006

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the quality of reporting and accuracy of a priori estimates used in sample size calculations for cluster randomized trials (CRTs).

Study design and setting: We reviewed 300 CRTs published between 2000 and 2008. The prevalence of reporting sample size elements from the 2004 CONSORT recommendations was evaluated and a priori estimates compared with those observed in the trial.

Results: Of the 300 trials, 166 (55%) reported a sample size calculation. Only 36 of 166 (22%) reported all recommended descriptive elements. Elements specific to CRTs were the worst reported: a measure of within-cluster correlation was specified in only 58 of 166 (35%). Only 18 of 166 articles (11%) reported both a priori and observed within-cluster correlation values. Except in two cases, observed within-cluster correlation values were either close to or less than a priori values.

Conclusion: Even with the CONSORT extension for cluster randomization, the reporting of sample size elements specific to these trials remains below that necessary for transparent reporting. Journal editors and peer reviewers should implement stricter requirements for authors to follow CONSORT recommendations. Authors should report observed and a priori within-cluster correlation values to enable comparisons between these over a wider range of trials.

Keywords: CONSORT statement; Cluster randomized trial; Intracluster correlation coefficient; Reporting; Sample size; Statistical methods.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Cluster Analysis*
Data Interpretation, Statistical
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / methods*
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / standards*
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / statistics & numerical data
Research Design
Research Report*
Sample Size*

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding