A pragmatic–explanatory continuum indicator summary (PRECIS): a tool to help trial designers

Abstract 

Objective

To propose a tool to assist trialists in making design decisions that are consistent with their trial's stated purpose.

Study Design and Setting

Randomized trials have been broadly categorized as either having a pragmatic or explanatory attitude. Pragmatic trials seek to answer the question, “Does this intervention work under usual conditions?,” whereas explanatory trials are focused on the question, “Can this intervention work under ideal conditions?” Design decisions make a trial more (or less) pragmatic or explanatory, but no tool currently exists to help researchers make the best decisions possible in accordance with their trial's primary goal. During the course of two international meetings, participants with experience in clinical care, research commissioning, health care financing, trial methodology, and reporting defined and refined aspects of trial design that distinguish pragmatic attitudes from explanatory.

Results

We have developed a tool (called PRECIS) with 10 key domains and which identifies criteria to help researchers determine how pragmatic or explanatory their trial is. The assessment is summarized graphically.

Conclusion

We believe that PRECIS is a useful first step toward a tool that can help trialists to ensure that their design decisions are consistent with the stated purpose of the trial.

Keywords: Randomized controlled trials, Clinical trial methodology, Pragmatic trial, Explanatory trial, Trial design, Clinical trial