This is an archived version of the Handbook. For the current version, please go to training.cochrane.org/handbook/current or search for this chapter here.

16.3.8  Individually randomized trials with clustering

Issues related to clustering can also occur in individually randomized trials.  This can happen when the same health professional (for example doctor, surgeon, nurse or therapist) delivers the intervention to a number of participants in the intervention group.  This type of clustering is discussed by Lee and Thompson, and raises issues similar to those in cluster-randomized trials (Lee 2005a).