Introduction to target trial emulation in rehabilitation: a systematic approach to emulate a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation science
• Epidemiology
• Causal inference

Background:

• Healthcare decisions require robust evidence, ideally from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• RCTs are not always feasible or ethical for complex interventions like rehabilitation.
• Rapid evidence generation is sometimes necessary.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the target trial emulation framework for estimating causal effects of rehabilitation.
• To provide guidance on applying this framework using real-world data when RCTs are not possible.
• To strengthen causal inference methods in rehabilitation research.

Main Methods:

• Emulating a hypothetical randomized controlled trial (RCT) using observational data.
• Applying the target trial emulation framework to rehabilitation interventions.
• Utilizing causal inference and counterfactual theory principles.

Main Results:

• The study outlines a methodological approach for target trial emulation in rehabilitation.
• It highlights key considerations, limitations, and mitigation strategies for using real-world data.
• The framework aims to provide valid causal effect estimates.

Conclusions:

• Target trial emulation offers a valid approach to estimate causal effects of rehabilitation when RCTs are not feasible.
• This framework strengthens the methodological rigor for real-world evidence in rehabilitation.
• It supports informed decision-making for rehabilitation providers and policymakers.