title: Recommendations for research design of telehealth studies.
abstract: Properly designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard to use when examining the effectiveness of telehealth interventions on clinical outcomes. Some published telehealth studies have employed well-designed RCTs. However, such methods are not always feasible and practical in particular settings. This white paper addresses not only the need for properly designed RCTs, but also offers alternative research designs, such as quasi-experimental designs, and statistical techniques that can be employed to rigorously assess the effectiveness of telehealth studies. This paper further offers design and measurement recommendations aimed at and relevant to administrative decision-makers, policymakers, and practicing clinicians.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Excellence on Implementing Evidence-Based Practice, Roudebush VAMC, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. nchumble@iupui.edu
authors.forename: Neale R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Chumbler
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kobb
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Brennan
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rabinowitz
mesh_terms: D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D017216:Telemedicine