After gaining patients' consent, researchers logged into a remote, internet based randomisation system to access the randomised treatment allocation.
All recruited patients were randomised to intervention or control (standard care) using an automated randomisation system, developed and controlled by the clinical trials unit, which ensured concealed allocation.
In keeping with many modern games, a randomised card system brings useful new gear, such as sights for specific guns, and you can purchase weaponry in an armoury.
Operating entirely in browser, the game presents the player with a series of storylines to follow, written out in text and explored through a randomised card system.
Following the screening/run-in period, eligible patients were randomised using validated systems (Visit 3) to receive double-blind indacaterol 150 μg o.d. or matching placebo through a single-dose dry-powder inhaler (SDDPI) for 12 weeks.
We identified eleven randomised trials testing a system level intervention in primary care and measuring recovery from depression as an outcome.
It is practically extremely challenging to undertake a randomised trial of the system described as few centres have an appropriate network and it would require a considerable investment in equipment and staff training.
According to the Levels of Evidence Rating System hierarchy, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) occupy the top positions (Level I & Level II evidence) and expert opinion lies at the bottom (Level V evidence).
Furthermore, we are not aware of any randomised evaluations of such systems in Australian primary care settings.
