Skip to main content

Lund University Publications

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Producing Precise Outcomes in Randomized, Controlled Trials and Clinical Studies

Gottrup, Finn ; Apelqvist, Jan LU and Price, Patricia (2012) In Wounds 24(1). p.41342-41342
Abstract
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) uses the current best evidence to inform decisions about care of individual patients, healthcare procedures, and technologies. The "gold standard" for optimal evidence in the Cochrane system is Level I randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of several RCTs. In order to achieve this level of evidence, one of the most important measures is the use of outcomes/endpoints. This article will provide, in short form, recommendations on how to achieve rigorous endpoints or outcomes in studies on wound management. Consistency in measuring endpoints/outcomes improves quality of care. To achieve such consistency it is important to 1) use predefined and robust outcomes; 2) adapt outcomes to the intervention... (More)
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) uses the current best evidence to inform decisions about care of individual patients, healthcare procedures, and technologies. The "gold standard" for optimal evidence in the Cochrane system is Level I randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of several RCTs. In order to achieve this level of evidence, one of the most important measures is the use of outcomes/endpoints. This article will provide, in short form, recommendations on how to achieve rigorous endpoints or outcomes in studies on wound management. Consistency in measuring endpoints/outcomes improves quality of care. To achieve such consistency it is important to 1) use predefined and robust outcomes; 2) adapt outcomes to the intervention under investigation; and 3) use the best evidence available. Also, it is emphasized that the use of complete wound closure or healing as an outcome measure is not always possible or suitable. Remaining patient-focused clarifies which other endpoints are relevant. Finally, "basic care" must be clearly defined and standardized when used as a comparative intervention in a RCT. In conclusion, the use of correct, clinically relevant outcomes or endpoints is of vital importance when establishing optimal evidence in wound healing and care. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
in
Wounds
volume
24
issue
1
pages
41342 - 41342
publisher
HMP Communications
external identifiers
  • wos:000299461100002
  • scopus:84855894382
ISSN
1044-7946
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
d94c3f85-9d32-448d-a1b6-9596456b73ee (old id 2355086)
date added to LUP
2016-04-01 13:10:22
date last changed
2024-01-09 08:37:08
@article{d94c3f85-9d32-448d-a1b6-9596456b73ee,
  abstract     = {{Evidence-based medicine (EBM) uses the current best evidence to inform decisions about care of individual patients, healthcare procedures, and technologies. The "gold standard" for optimal evidence in the Cochrane system is Level I randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of several RCTs. In order to achieve this level of evidence, one of the most important measures is the use of outcomes/endpoints. This article will provide, in short form, recommendations on how to achieve rigorous endpoints or outcomes in studies on wound management. Consistency in measuring endpoints/outcomes improves quality of care. To achieve such consistency it is important to 1) use predefined and robust outcomes; 2) adapt outcomes to the intervention under investigation; and 3) use the best evidence available. Also, it is emphasized that the use of complete wound closure or healing as an outcome measure is not always possible or suitable. Remaining patient-focused clarifies which other endpoints are relevant. Finally, "basic care" must be clearly defined and standardized when used as a comparative intervention in a RCT. In conclusion, the use of correct, clinically relevant outcomes or endpoints is of vital importance when establishing optimal evidence in wound healing and care.}},
  author       = {{Gottrup, Finn and Apelqvist, Jan and Price, Patricia}},
  issn         = {{1044-7946}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{1}},
  pages        = {{41342--41342}},
  publisher    = {{HMP Communications}},
  series       = {{Wounds}},
  title        = {{Producing Precise Outcomes in Randomized, Controlled Trials and Clinical Studies}},
  volume       = {{24}},
  year         = {{2012}},
}