Cluster randomized trial
Cluster Randomized Trial
A Cluster Randomized Trial (pronounced: /ˈklʌstər ˌrændəˈmaɪzd ˈtraɪəl/), also known as a Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial (CRCT), is a type of RCT where groups of participants, or "clusters", are randomly assigned to intervention groups. The term originates from the statistical term "cluster", referring to a group of similar items or events.
Definition
In a Cluster Randomized Trial, the unit of randomization is a group or cluster of individuals rather than the individual themselves. This is often used in situations where it is logistically difficult or ethically inappropriate to randomize individuals to different interventions. Examples of clusters include schools, communities, or medical practices.
Process
The process of a Cluster Randomized Trial involves several steps. First, the clusters are identified and then randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention is then implemented at the cluster level, and the outcomes are measured at the individual level within each cluster. The results are then analyzed, taking into account the cluster design.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of Cluster Randomized Trials include the ability to study interventions that cannot be directed at individuals, the reduction of contamination between intervention and control groups, and the ability to study effects at the group level.
Disadvantages include the need for a larger sample size, the potential for selection bias, and the complexity of the statistical analysis.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cluster randomized trial
- Wikipedia's article - Cluster randomized trial
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski