Designing trials for the real world: HRB funds PRECIS-3-C
HRB-TMRN congratulates Network research associate Dr. Andrew Willis (pictured left), whose project PRECIS-3-C is one of 29 new projects funded under the Health Research Board’s Investigator-Led Projects (ILP) 2026 scheme. Read the HRB announcement here
The PRECIS tools help researchers design trials on a continuum from pragmatic to explanatory, that is, by how closely a trial reflects everyday healthcare. The latest version, PRECIS-3, is led by HRB-TMRN partner Prof. Frances Shiely, University College Cork. PRECIS-3-C will extend it to cluster randomised trials, where groups such as GP practices, hospitals or schools are randomly allocated rather than individuals. The goal is cluster trials that better reflect the settings where their results will be used.
Clinical trials should give us evidence that is relevant to the real world, not just evidence that health treatments work under ideal conditions. By extending PRECIS-3 to cluster randomised trials, this project will promote better trial design that more closely reflects everyday healthcare. Ultimately, this will help us produce evidence that is more useful to patients, healthcare professionals and decision-makers leading to real improvements in the way healthcare is delivered,” – Dr. A Willis.
We look forward to following the project as it develops. Read more on PRECIS-3 here
