Novel trial strategies to enhance the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness and impact of nephrology research

Abstract

Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) are considered the gold-standard for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. However, criticisms of traditional designs are that they can be inefficient, inflexible, expensive and conducted in a manner disconnected from real-life clinical practice. Novel strategies and approaches are being utilised to overcome these limitations including comprehensive consumer engagement, core outcome sets, novel trial designs, streamlined data collection, cost-effectiveness and return on investment evaluations, knowledge dissemination plans and impact evaluation. These strategies can be implemented at the design, conduct, implementation and dissemination stages of the trial process. This review aims to provide an overview of these strategies and approaches to improve the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness and impact of nephrology research.