The implementation of a multicentred randomized controlled trial in the evaluation of the experimental National Health Service nursing homes.

This paper reviews the implementation of a pragmatic multicentred randomized controlled trial in the evaluation of three experimental nursing homes. The organization of services for the care of elderly people varied between the three centres, and each used different criteria for selecting subjects for the trial and different methods of seeking informed consent. Data presented show that in each centre two truly randomized samples have been selected. However, differences between centres, in the characteristics of selected subjects, reflect the implementation of the trials in each of the centres. These findings emphasize the importance of good collaboration between health professionals providing the service, an independent research team, and the establishment of rigorous criteria for inclusion and exclusion of subjects at the outset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]