Starr 2015.
Study characteristics | ||
Methods | 2×2 partial factorial RCT, individuals randomised. | |
Data | UK, secondary care setting. Participants who were newly randomly assigned to the host trial had not reached the 4‐week time point and were willing to supply a mobile phone number, or an e‐mail address were included. Total n = 418; mean age 41 (SD 11.1) years; 20% females. |
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Comparisons | Two trials were included in this study: Trial 1: Intervention group received an SMS text message pre‐notification of the delivery of the initial 4‐ and 12‐week questionnaires. Control group received no message. Trial 2 (for participants who did not respond to the initial 4‐ or 12‐week questionnaire): Intervention group received an e‐mail which included a link to complete the questionnaire online or was invited to return the paper copy if they wished. Control group received their reminder by post with a further copy of the questionnaire. |
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Outcomes | Questionnaire return. | |
Notes | Retention period: 1‐ or 3‐ months questionnaire | |
Risk of bias | ||
Item | Authors' judgement | Support for judgement |
Allocation concealment? | Yes | A computer‐generated system that was concealed and remote from the users. |
Adequate sequence generation? | Yes | Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention on a 1:1 basis, |
Blinding of participants and personnel? | Yes | Due to the nature of the intervention, it was not possible to blind the participants or trial office staff to allocation. Unblinding not likely to impact objective outcome. |
Blinding of outcome assessment? | Yes | The researchers remained blinded. |
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 | Yes | Low |