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Improving Trial Informativeness: A Rapid Review of Global Research on How to Ensure Trials Are Useful

Sarah R Prowse1, Shaun Treweek1, Miriam Brazzelli1

  • 1Aberdeen Centre for Evaluation, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.

Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice
|June 11, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Improving the informativeness of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) can significantly reduce research waste. This review identifies key design processes and tools to enhance RCT quality and impact.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Research
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Health Sciences

Background:

  • Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are crucial for clinical decision-making but often suffer from flaws.
  • Current review processes inadequately identify and correct these flaws early.
  • Trial design, conduct, and reporting issues lead to substantial research waste.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide insights from global research on improving the informativeness of RCTs.
  • To identify processes and tools that enhance trial design, feasibility, integrity, and reporting.
  • To align findings with the five key conditions for informative trials outlined by Zarin and colleagues.

Main Methods:

  • A rapid review methodology was employed.
  • Focus was placed on research addressing trial design processes for improved informativeness.
  • Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 12, referencing Zarin's five conditions: Importance, Design, Feasibility, Integrity, and Reporting.

Main Results:

  • The review analyzed 42 texts, identifying 27 recommended processes to improve trial informativeness.
  • Most recommendations (44%) pertained to trial design.
  • Twenty-three tools were identified to enhance trial informativeness across Importance (17%), Design (74%), and Reporting (9%).

Conclusions:

  • Enhanced understanding of design processes can reduce research waste by improving trial informativeness.
  • Further research is needed to integrate these processes into pre-funding peer review.
  • Implementing these strategies increases the likelihood of producing informative and impactful clinical trials.

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