Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Evaluations of clinical research in pediatrics have consistently found that randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are at varying risk of bias, which increases the likelihood that reported intervention effects are exaggerated, negatively impacting the relevance of the trial and the conclusions that may be drawn from its results. With a well-established evidence base outlining these limitations, the research agenda must now focus on knowledge translation.
Objectives: To evaluate a wiki designed to aid pediatric trialists and systematic reviewers in the design, conduct, and appraisal of methodologically rigorous research.
Methods: Using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias tool as a foundation, we developed a wiki-based educational module to outline principles that are important in minimizing bias in pediatric RCTs. The framework for the wiki consists of five major sections, combining didactic and interactive components: (1) tools to assist in protocol development (e.g., checklists); (2) interactive examples of study design features that may be assessed for risk of bias; (3) pediatric-specific issues related to trial design; (4) a discussion forum; and (5) links to references and relevant organizations. The wiki will be pilot tested with clinical researchers for usability and applicability of content and both quantitative (web traffic) and qualitative (interview) data will be collected. Quantitative data will be compiled and presented descriptively. Qualitative data will be coded using content analysis and themes will be identified that will inform an iterative process of updating the wiki and re-evaluating its functionality.
Results: Data collection and analysis will be complete for presentation at the 2012 Colloquium.
Conclusions: This study will inform future research in the use of wikis as novel knowledge translation tools and in the effectiveness of knowledge translation strategies in targeting researcher behaviour, and will advance knowledge surrounding risk of bias in child health trials.
Objectives: To evaluate a wiki designed to aid pediatric trialists and systematic reviewers in the design, conduct, and appraisal of methodologically rigorous research.
Methods: Using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias tool as a foundation, we developed a wiki-based educational module to outline principles that are important in minimizing bias in pediatric RCTs. The framework for the wiki consists of five major sections, combining didactic and interactive components: (1) tools to assist in protocol development (e.g., checklists); (2) interactive examples of study design features that may be assessed for risk of bias; (3) pediatric-specific issues related to trial design; (4) a discussion forum; and (5) links to references and relevant organizations. The wiki will be pilot tested with clinical researchers for usability and applicability of content and both quantitative (web traffic) and qualitative (interview) data will be collected. Quantitative data will be compiled and presented descriptively. Qualitative data will be coded using content analysis and themes will be identified that will inform an iterative process of updating the wiki and re-evaluating its functionality.
Results: Data collection and analysis will be complete for presentation at the 2012 Colloquium.
Conclusions: This study will inform future research in the use of wikis as novel knowledge translation tools and in the effectiveness of knowledge translation strategies in targeting researcher behaviour, and will advance knowledge surrounding risk of bias in child health trials.