The batch mode aims to optimize coagulant concentration, pH and current density at fixed treatment duration.
The individuals are one factor (usually considered as random and serving as replication) and the time dimension is the second factor, a fixed treatment effect (Winer 1971).
Results: The heterogeneity of trial designs and the use of different comparators necessitated a Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis with three models: (a) random trial effect and fixed treatment effects, (b) random trial and treatment effects, (c) random trial and treatment effects with trial variance unknown.
One study initially used a Der Simonian Laird approach, but due to very low estimated heterogeneity, used a fixed treatment effect.
Even with a fixed treatment regime and a defined treatment exit strategy, only a small percentage of patients reach exit criteria.
The mixed model extends on the general linear model (GLM) to allow for fixed (treatment, period, group) and random effects (subjects) [ 21].
Fourteen of the 16 responders agreed that the protocol should be semi-standardised, incorporating some fixed treatment components and some individualisation.
This change may be directly related to the increased numbers of those seeking hospital care, and shorter durations of admission in response to fixed treatment costs reimbursed by the RAS.
If the RCT was designed to include a fixed treatment instead of variable TAU as a comparison to GST, then it would be less informative in regard to whether GST excels current practice and whether its further implementation is supported.
In conclusion, our study showed that even with a fixed treatment regime and a defined treatment exit strategy, only a small percentage of patients will actually complete the exit phase.
Regarding our prevalent users cohort and fixed treatment group assignment, we acknowledged the reasonable but unproven assumption that our observed exposure reflects unobserved exposure, preceding 2006 (Part D inception).
