Article

Sample-size determination and adherence in randomised controlled trials published in anaesthetic journals

Published in: Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia
Volume 24 , issue 2 , 2018 , pages: 40–46

DOI: 10.1080/22201181.2018.1439602

Author(s): M Nontshe Metropolitan Department of Anaesthetics, Critical Care and Pain Management, South Africa , S Khan Metropolitan Department of Anaesthetics, Critical Care and Pain Management, South Africa , T Mandebvu Metropolitan Department of Anaesthetics, Critical Care and Pain Management, South Africa , B Merrifield Metropolitan Department of Anaesthetics, Critical Care and Pain Management, South Africa , RN Rodseth Metropolitan Department of Anaesthetics, Critical Care and Pain Management, South Africa

Keywords: anaesthesia , clinical trial , power calculations , sample size , treatment effect , type II error

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Abstract

Background: Sample-size calculations are critical to ensure that randomised control trials return robust and reliable results. The estimated treatment effects used in these calculations is often significantly different from the actual treatment effect and can dramatically impact trial validity.

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