Analysis of an interrupted stepped wedge cluster RCT

[Zoe Hyde]

Dear All,

I am part of a team conducting a stepped wedge cluster randomised control trial to improve dementia detection and management.

Owing to the pandemic, the intervention phase will have to be postponed in some of the clusters.

I have not analysed anything with a stepped wedge design before, so this was already a learning experience for me, but now there is also a hiatus to consider.

I was wondering if anyone could provide any advice on what we ought to be doing to ensure the results of the study will still be meaningful, and also how I can account for the interruption in the study when analysing the data.

Thanks in advance,

Zoë.

[Zoe Hyde]

I'm just bumping this in the hope that someone can offer some advice. If anyone is aware of any precedents for interrupting a stepped wedge study, it would be very helpful if you could share them.