It is common for participants with musculoskeletal injuries in a study to switch from one treatment group to another. For example, in a randomised controlled trial comparing a surgical group to a non-surgical group, participants may switch from the non-surgical group to the surgical group over time, and the timing of switching can vary from one participant to another. This can make it harder to interpret trial results and decide which treatment works best.
We have an ongoing research project aiming to understand how this switching has affected how results are analysed and reported, including whether a particular treatment is better at improving patients’ health outcomes. We are interested in shared decision-making, where patients and clinicians decide on available treatments. We are also interested in understanding which treatment effects are important to patients.
Who are we looking for?
We’re looking for adults (18+) who have had surgery recently for a musculoskeletal injury (e.g., bone, joint, muscle, tendon, or ligament) to help shape a research project on how surgical studies handle patients changing treatments over time. Treatment switching is defined as a situation where a patient starts one treatment (for example, surgery or non-surgical care) but later changes to a different treatment during their recovery. Your views will help clarify and make the research more relevant to patients.
What is the time commitment?
We would like you to be involved in 5 or 6 online meetings over the next 16 months. The first meeting will be approximately 2 hours, and consecutive meetings will be approximately 1 hour each.
The deadline for responses is 24 April 2026.
Reimbursement
Depending on the specific activities you're involved in, we will provide payment for your time (at least £27.50 per hour). We will provide an additional £5 to help cover your internet costs.
Organisation
University of Oxford/NDORMS
Contact
Christopher Mwema: christopher.mwema@ndorms.ox.ac.uk
Clinical Trial Registration Details
N/A