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arXiv · 2203.14761

Extending inferences from a cluster randomized trial to a target population

Issa J. Dahabreh·Sarah E. Robertson·Jon A. Steingrimsson·Stefan Gravenstein·Nina Joyce
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Abstract

We describe methods that extend (generalize or transport) causal inferences from cluster randomized trials to a target population of clusters, under a general nonparametric model that allows for arbitrary within-cluster dependence. We propose doubly robust estimators of potential outcome means in the target population that exploit individual-level data on covariates and outcomes to improve efficiency and are appropriate for use with machine learning methods. We illustrate the methods using a cluster randomized trial of influenza vaccination strategies conducted in 818 nursing homes nested in a cohort of 4,475 trial-eligible Medicare-certified nursing homes.

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Issa J. Dahabreh, Sarah E. Robertson, Jon A. Steingrimsson, Stefan Gravenstein, Nina Joyce. 2022-03-28. Extending inferences from a cluster randomized trial to a target population. https://arxiv.org/abs/2203.14761

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