Table 2.
Risk of bias of included studies on distance management compared with standard clinic follow-up for adult inflammatory bowel disease patients
| Author, yr | Selection bias | Performance bias | Detection bias | Attrition bias | Reporting bias | Source of funding |
| Cross et al[26],2012 | Low (random permuted block design; concealed) | High | Low (research staff blinded to treatment allocation) | High (more discontinued in intervention group 8/25 vs control 1/22) | Low | Broad Medical Research Program, University of Maryland General Clinical Research Center Grant, General Clinical Research Centers Program, NCRR, NIH, Baltimore Education and Research Foundation |
| Elkjaer et al[27],2010 | Low (randomisation program; closed envelope) | High | High | High (LTF higher in the web group 24% vs control 17%) | Low | Colitis Crohn Patient Organization, Moran’s Foundation, Vibeke Binder and Povl Riis’ Foundation, Bayer Health Care Funding, Augustinus Foundtaion, Munkholms Foundation, Tillotts Funding, Scientific Councel at Herlev Hospital, Prof. Fagerhol Research Foundation, Aase and Einar Danielsen Foundation, Ole Trock-Jansen and Hustrus Foundation, and European Crohn Colitis Organization |
| Elkjaer et al[27], 2010 | Unclear (cluster randomization; no mention of concealment) | High | High | High (LTF higher in control group) | Low | |
| Kennedy et al[28], 2004Richardson et al[29], 2006 | Low (random number tables; concealed) | High | High | High (LTF higher in control group 24% vs intervention 13%) | Low | Health Technology Assessment Programme of the United Kingdom NHS (MS) Career Scientist Award in Public Health, NHS R and D(GS) Researcher Development Award, NHS R and D |
| Robinson et al[30], 2001 | Low (computer generated lists, concealed) | High | High | Low | Low | (AR) United Kingdom Medical Research Council Training Fellowship |
| Williams et al[88], 2000 | Low (computer generated lists, concealed) | High | High | Low | Low | NHS research and development primary/secondary care interface programme, West Wales and Swansea Group of the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. |
LTF: Lost to follow-up; NCCR: National Center for Research Resources; NIH: National Institute of Health; NHS R and D: National Health Services Research and Development.