Sample size estimation in cluster randomized trials: An evidence-based perspective

Michael Rotondi and Allan Donner

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis, 2012, vol. 56, issue 5, 1174-1187

Abstract: The evidence-based perspective to sample size estimation determines appropriate trial size by examining its potential impact on the literature. This approach is extended to determine the appropriate size of a planned cluster randomized trial by considering the role of the planned trial on a future meta-analysis (including current literature and the proposed study). A simulation-based algorithm allows consideration of variable cluster sizes and intracluster correlation coefficient values in conjunction with three approaches to sample size estimation, namely the power-based, variance reduction and non-inferiority perspectives. Two examples employing the sample size estimation techniques described are discussed in detail, while appropriate code is provided in the accompanying R package CRTSize.

Keywords: Sample size estimation; Cluster randomized trials; Intracluster correlation coefficient; Meta-analysis; Design of experiments; Sequential methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:csdana:v:56:y:2012:i:5:p:1174-1187

DOI: 10.1016/j.csda.2010.12.010

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