QI reliability was demonstrated by double-blind data collection.
Most studies failed to employ blinded data collection.
The strengths of this study include the population-based design, the large number of cases of CBTs, the prospective and blinded data collection and the small number of missed cases.
Prior to blinded data collection, the radiographic features were initially defined by consensus among the study investigators (B.E., C.F.L., W.B., R.G. and I.M ., with all training sessions occurring at a single site (Mayo Clinic Rochester).
EPHPP quality assessment involves rating each article on a three-point scale (strong, moderate and weak) in six components: selection bias, study design, confounders, blinding, data-collection methods, and withdrawals and drop-outs.
Slides were coded to allow blind imaging, data collection, and analysis.
One, due to the nature of the intervention, it was not operationally feasible to blind the data collection team regarding the intervention or control status of participating sites.
To achieve blinding of data collection, outcome data were collected by a different member of the research team from the nurse who had randomised the patients, but we acknowledge that participants could have mentioned telemonitoring, or equipment might have been visible during the home visit for data collection, making it impossible to maintain blinding in all cases.
Blinding: Baseline data collection will be undertaken blinded.
