N of 1 trials. Practical tools for medication management

C. J. Nikles; P. P. Glasziou; C. B. Del Mar; C. M. Duggan; G. Mitchell

N of 1 trials. Practical tools for medication management

C. J. Nikles^*, P. P. Glasziou, C. B. Del Mar, C. M. Duggan, G. Mitchell

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › Research › peer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In single patient (n of 1) trials, a patient acts as his or her own control in a study comparing the effectiveness of a drug with placebo or another drug. The aim of a single patient trial (SPT) is to identify the best treatment for the individual patient, formalising a 'trial of treatment' by using blinding and multiple crossover periods. OBJECTIVE: We have successfully piloted SPTs for osteoarthritis and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and several others are currently being piloted. Barriers encountered include: obtaining identical placebos, ethical approval for individual SPTs, standardising doses, determining length of treatment periods, patient withdrawals and cost of the SPTs. DISCUSSION: Only prescribing medications if an individual has been shown to be a responder can greatly benefit general practitioners, patients and the healthcare system. We have established the infrastructure necessary to offer a single patient trial service to GPs and patients anywhere in Australia. This has the potential to revolutionise prescribing for certain chronic conditions.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1108-1112
Number of pages	5
Journal	Australian Family Physician
Volume	29
Issue number	11
Publication status	Published - Nov 2000
Externally published	Yes

Cite this

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AU - Glasziou, P. P.

AU - Del Mar, C. B.

AU - Duggan, C. M.

AU - Mitchell, G.

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N2 - BACKGROUND: In single patient (n of 1) trials, a patient acts as his or her own control in a study comparing the effectiveness of a drug with placebo or another drug. The aim of a single patient trial (SPT) is to identify the best treatment for the individual patient, formalising a 'trial of treatment' by using blinding and multiple crossover periods. OBJECTIVE: We have successfully piloted SPTs for osteoarthritis and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and several others are currently being piloted. Barriers encountered include: obtaining identical placebos, ethical approval for individual SPTs, standardising doses, determining length of treatment periods, patient withdrawals and cost of the SPTs. DISCUSSION: Only prescribing medications if an individual has been shown to be a responder can greatly benefit general practitioners, patients and the healthcare system. We have established the infrastructure necessary to offer a single patient trial service to GPs and patients anywhere in Australia. This has the potential to revolutionise prescribing for certain chronic conditions.

AB - BACKGROUND: In single patient (n of 1) trials, a patient acts as his or her own control in a study comparing the effectiveness of a drug with placebo or another drug. The aim of a single patient trial (SPT) is to identify the best treatment for the individual patient, formalising a 'trial of treatment' by using blinding and multiple crossover periods. OBJECTIVE: We have successfully piloted SPTs for osteoarthritis and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and several others are currently being piloted. Barriers encountered include: obtaining identical placebos, ethical approval for individual SPTs, standardising doses, determining length of treatment periods, patient withdrawals and cost of the SPTs. DISCUSSION: Only prescribing medications if an individual has been shown to be a responder can greatly benefit general practitioners, patients and the healthcare system. We have established the infrastructure necessary to offer a single patient trial service to GPs and patients anywhere in Australia. This has the potential to revolutionise prescribing for certain chronic conditions.

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N of 1 trials. Practical tools for medication management

Abstract

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