The NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory has launched a new interactive learning path that provides essential knowledge to research teams on how to choose the most appropriate study design for a pragmatic clinical trial.

The learning path is a series of self-paced training modules that include expert videos, reference materials, and knowledge checkpoints. Its content covers key information for designing a study, including:

• Choosing between an explanatory or pragmatic study design
• How to make decisions about randomization
• Choosing between parallel and stepped-wedge design

The learning path features expert insights from Liz Turner, PhD, co-chair of the NIH Collaboratory’s Biostatistics and Study Design Core, adding to the program’s robust online training resources. This new tool is free and takes about 1 hour to complete. Learners will receive a certificate upon completing the course.

“We created this innovative learning path to help research teams work through the many issues and considerations that come up in the design phase of a pragmatic trial,” Turner said. “It guides learners through the decision-making process for study design in a fun and fast-paced learning environment.”

“I hope research teams take advantage of this exciting new resource that answers common questions about pragmatic trial study design,”said Kevin Weinfurt, PhD, a co-principal investigator for the NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory Coordinating Center. “Making informed decisions at the trial’s design stage is critical to ensure a trial can be successful in producing reliable evidence.”

To access the learning path, visit the learning module page to sign up. Simply click “get this course” and then “sign up” to create an account in our learning management system.

The NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory Coordinating Center led the development of the study design learning path in partnership with Symphony Learning Partners.