Errors in understanding cross-over trials

What is it about?

It is shown that a proposal to modify cross-over trial designs while the trial is running is based on misunderstandings as to how such trials are constructed.

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Why is it important?

Several errors in understanding cross-over trials are common. 1) Patients are rarely treated simultaneously 2) Logistic constraints make modification of cross-over trials very difficult. 3) The purpose of placebos is simply to blind treatment 4) Standard carry-over models employed by statisticians are not pharmacologically plausible.