title: The crossover study design and its clinical application.
abstract: This paper describes the crossover design in research methodology and illustrates its use in a clinical study in an intensive care unit (ICU). The benefits and shortcomings of the design are described. Strategies to avoid or minimise the shortcomings are explained with reference to examples from a study carried out in clinical practice. By linking theory to practice in this way, we hope to help to increase the understanding of this methodology for the nurse researcher.
authors.affiliation: The Queen's University of Belfast, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Belfast.
authors.forename: Bronagh
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Blackwood
authors.affiliation: Regional Intensive Care Unit, Royal Group of Hospitals Trust, Belfast.
authors.forename: Gavin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lavery