Morph's video: What is a SWAT

Transcript To make clinical trials efficient, we need to use good methodology. To test which methods work best researchers can do a ‘Study within a Trial’ called a SWAT. A SWAT is a smaller research study often contained within a randomised controlled trial. SWATs may also be referred to as: A Sub-trial or Sub-study, a Nested or embedded trial or a ‘Trial within a trial’. SWATs can be used to investigate specific stages of a trial methodology such as recruitment, retention or data analysis. For example, SWATs have assessed whether using video and paper participant information together increases recruitment. Or whether sending text message reminders for trial questionnaires improves completion rates. Why are SWATs important? SWATs help researchers identify the best research methods. Healthcare professionals rely on evidence when treating patients. This evidence comes from studies such as randomised controlled trials. Researchers should also use evidence when deciding how to run a trial however, this evidence is often limited. SWATs can help researchers pick the best ways to conduct trials meaning more accurate research results and less time and resources are wasted. The findings from multiple SWATs can be combined to provide stronger evidence about effective and ineffective trial methods making trials more suitable for participants to join and stay involved with. Key features of a SWAT: It is contained within a host trial. Can be built in from the start of the trial or added later. Can be randomised or non randomised. Should not affect the reliability, rationale or outcomes of the host trial. Can benefit the host trial by improving methods used. Can be repeated across numerous host trials at the same time or at different timepoints. The effective use of SWATs should produce better trials and a more efficient use of time and resources. SWATs small studies playing a big role in making clinical trials better.