External validity in perinatal research

Abstract

Recent studies are beginning to focus on the external validity of well conducted internally valid research. This review gives an overview of external validity, the dimensions involved and suggestions for when future intervention trials are designed, using examples from perinatal research. Finally, we remind the perinatal researcher that it is their duty to provide extensive details beyond those needed to establish internal validity. The latter would help clinicians to determine whether the intervention is applicable to their population.