Improving how we apply findings from group-based health trials to real-world populations
Official title: Methods for generalizing inferences from cluster randomized controlled trials to target populations
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11070308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on ways to make sure that the results from medical trials are more accurate and useful for everyone, especially when the people in the trials are different from the general public, so that healthcare can be better for all patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 4, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $306,159 |
| NIH project number | 5R01LM013616-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are part of healthcare systems involved in cluster trials, particularly those receiving interventions like flu vaccinations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of cluster trials or those receiving treatments outside of the studied interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the accuracy of applying results from cluster randomized controlled trials to broader patient populations. It addresses the challenges of selective participation bias, which can skew the effectiveness of treatments when trial participants differ significantly from the general population. By utilizing advanced data science techniques, including deep learning, the study aims to develop methods that ensure findings from these trials are more representative and applicable to everyday healthcare settings. This could lead to better-informed health interventions and policies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective health interventions that are better tailored to the needs of diverse patient populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced statistical methods to improve the applicability of trial results, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dahabreh, Issa J. — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Dahabreh, Issa J.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.