Reported problems and responses during the conduct of stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials in healthcare settings: a qualitative systematic review
SW-CRTs commonly run into problems. Two overarching and conflicting analytical problem themes emerged: the "struggle to adhere to the protocol," given the defining features of the SW-CRT design, when faced against "real-life pressures" created by internal and external factors. Further research is needed to explore whether responses to these problems have resource or integrity ramifications.
Authors
- Nicola Pidduck (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6491-1159)
- Caroline Kristunas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8945-4671)
- Karla Hemming (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2226-6550)
- Kathryn Taylor (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6589-5456)
- Clare Bankhead (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1588-3849)
- Nia Wyn Roberts (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1142-6440)
- Julie McLellan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2868-8631)
- Rafael Perera
Institutions
- Oxford Brookes University (GB)
- Birmingham City University (GB)
- University of Oxford (GB)
- University of Birmingham (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- International Journal of Epidemiology
- Published
- 2025-12-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyaf217
- Primary Topic
- Health Policy Implementation Science
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Institute for Health and Care Research
- Department of Health and Social Care
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Medical Research Council
- Programme Grants for Applied Research