title: Randomization for clinical research: an easy-to-use spreadsheet method.
abstract: In this article, we illustrate a new method for random selection and random assignment that we developed in a pilot study for a randomized clinical trial. The randomization database is supported by a commonly available spreadsheet. Formulas were written for randomizing participants and for creating a "shadow" system to verify integrity of the randomization. Advantages of this method are that it is easy to use, effective, and portable, allowing it to be shared among multiple investigators at multiple study sites. Clinical researchers may find the method useful for research projects that are pilot studies or conducted with limited funding.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing, 6901 Bertner Avenue, Suite 592, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Nikhil S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Padhye
authors.forename: Stanley G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Cron
authors.forename: Gary M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Gusick
authors.forename: Shannan K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Hamlin
authors.forename: Sandra K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Hanneman
mesh_terms: D015400:Clinical Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D019992:Databases as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011897:Random Allocation; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D012984:Software