Rapid centralised randomisation in emergency setting trials using a smartphone

Abstract

Randomised trials in emergency settings must quickly confirm eligibility and allocate participants to an intervention group without delaying treatment. We report rapid randomisation during two neonatal resuscitation trials using the non-commercial REDCap platform accessed via smartphone. This simple, reliable method has wide applicability for trials in emergency settings.What is Known:• Randomised trials in emergency settings need to rapidly allocate participants to an intervention group.• This process should not delay treatment.What is New:• This non-commercial, smartphone-accessible application enabled rapid, accurate randomisation at the bedside.• This has broad applicability for emergency setting trials.