Exec Summary Vol. However, for most therapeutic activities with the NHS, reliable information from RCTs is not available.
Objectives is a bullet.
To collate and report the findings, identifying areas where firm conclusions can be drawn, and identifying areas where further research is required. Methods A systematic review of the literature was undertaken, covering the period 1986-96. The scope of the review was too broad to be comprehensive in all of the areas covered, rather it attempted to cover the diversity of factors limiting the quality, number and progress of RCTs. The issues considered were those of design, barriers to participation, conduct and structure, analysis, reporting and costs. Results and recommendations for practice Design Following a systematic review of existing evidence, a well-formulated question should be developed, specifying participants, interventions and outcomes.