Natural experimental evaluation framework
Background
The objective of this framework is to provide a guide to the use of natural experimental approach to evaluation population health interventions.
Since the original Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance on natural experiments was published in 2012, there has been a substantial increase in the conduct of natural experimental evaluations. There have been advances in relevant methodologies and the application of systems thinking to complex health interventions. There is now greater availability of large routinely collected data resources and an increase in demand for evidence addressing population health problems that are not suitable for randomised controlled trials. This has implications for how natural experimental evaluations are designed and conducted.
Updated and extended framework has been developed for using natural experiments to evaluate population health interventions.
This updated framework advances previous guidance by focussing on:
- Concepts and definitions
- Key considerations for designing and planning evaluations
- Use of quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods and economic evaluations
- Reporting, critical appraisal and evidence synthesis
- Data infrastructure and information governance
- Good practice considerations
The project was funded by a research grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Medical Research Council (MRC).
The project team would like to thank the participants of the workshops and online consultation for their insight and valuable contribution.
