
LessWrong (Curated & Popular)
“Intention to Treat” by Alicorn
Mar 22, 2025
A parent's journey through a vision study reveals the trials of compliance when dealing with a young child. Frustrations abound as glasses get lost frequently, raising questions about the unpredictable nature of human behavior in research. The narrative dives into the complexities of experimental protocols, highlighting the balance between intention and reality. It’s a touching reflection on both the challenges of parenting and the meticulous nature of scientific studies.
03:45
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Quick takeaways
- The challenges of ensuring compliance in pediatric studies are significant, often influenced by the unpredictable behavior of young children.
- The principle of intention to treat emphasizes adapting research protocols to account for real-world variability and participant attrition.
Deep dives
Challenges of Compliance in Pediatric Studies
The episode highlights the difficulties faced when following a strict protocol in a pediatric study focused on treating a vision condition. The speaker recounts their experience of enrolling their three-year-old son, who struggled with compliance regarding wearing an eye patch and keeping track of essential equipment. Despite their efforts, such as bribery and frequent replacements of lost glasses, the challenges of his age and behavior led to a less-than-ideal adherence to the study's guidelines. Ultimately, the study's goals were still met, illustrating the complexities of ensuring compliance among young children in clinical research settings.
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