A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Simulations for designing and interpreting intervention trials in infectious diseases
Authors: Halloran ME, Auranen K, Baird S, Basta NE, Bellan SE, Brookmeyer R, Cooper BS, DeGruttola V, Hughes JP, Lessler J, Lofgren ET, Longini IM, Onnela JP, Ozler B, Seage GR, Smith TA, Vespignani A, Vynnycky E, Lipsitch M, Lipsitch M
Publisher: BIOMED CENTRAL LTD
Publication year: 2017
Journal: BMC Medicine
Journal name in source: BMC MEDICINE
Journal acronym: BMC MED
Article number: ARTN 223
Volume: 15
First page : 1
Last page: 8
Number of pages: 8
ISSN: 1741-7015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-017-0985-3
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/28534397
Background: Interventions in infectious diseases can have both direct effects on individuals who receive the intervention as well as indirect effects in the population. In addition, intervention combinations can have complex interactions at the population level, which are often difficult to adequately assess with standard study designs and analytical methods.Discussion: Herein, we urge the adoption of a new paradigm for the design and interpretation of intervention trials in infectious diseases, particularly with regard to emerging infectious diseases, one that more accurately reflects the dynamics of the transmission process. In an increasingly complex world, simulations can explicitly represent transmission dynamics, which are critical for proper trial design and interpretation. Certain ethical aspects of a trial can also be quantified using simulations. Further, after a trial has been conducted, simulations can be used to explore the possible explanations for the observed effects.Conclusion: Much is to be gained through a multidisciplinary approach that builds collaborations among experts in infectious disease dynamics, epidemiology, statistical science, economics, simulation methods, and the conduct of clinical trials.
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