Bell 2016.
Study characteristics | ||
Methods | Parallel RCT, individuals randomised | |
Data | UK, primary care setting. All host trial participants, as a source of the retention trial sample. Host trial participants from 5 centres were followed up using postal questionnaires at the fifth year of follow‐up. Total n = 7,655; range age 70‐85 years; 100% females. |
|
Comparisons |
Intervention group received trial‐branded pen with the 60‐month follow‐up questionnaire. Control group 60‐month follow‐up questionnaire alone. |
|
Outcomes | Questionnaire return. | |
Notes | Retention period: 60 months follow‐up. | |
Risk of bias | ||
Item | Authors' judgement | Support for judgement |
Allocation concealment? | Unclear | Not reported in the paper. |
Adequate sequence generation? | Yes | A computer‐randomisation package was used to allocate all eligible participants |
Blinding of participants and personnel? | Yes | Not reported in the paper but unblinding not likely to impact objective outcome |
Blinding of outcome assessment? | Yes | Not reported in the paper. However, objective outcome, staff have no plausible additional opportunity to influence postal response rate once questionnaires sent. |
Incomplete outcome data addressed? All outcomes | Yes | No concerns raised. |
Free of selective outcome reporting? | Yes | No concerns raised. |
Other sources of bias | Yes | No further concerns raised. |
Overall Risk of Bias | Unclear | Unclear |