Explanation of the National Research Council Report “The Prevention and Treatment of Missing Data in Clinical Trials”: Focus on Prevention

Abstract

In this paper, we summarize “The Prevention and Treatment of Missing Data in Clinical Trials,” a report by the National Research Council, with a focus on prevention. Specifically, we explain the following topics: the concept of the estimand, which defines what to be estimated in clinical trials; trial designs to minimize dropouts; continuing data collection for dropouts, and trial strategies for trial sponsors, investigators, and site personnel to reduce the frequency of missing data.