Table 3

Design methods


BMJ
BJGP
Family Practice
Overall


Designs
n
(%)
n
(%)
n
(%)
n
(%)

Cross-sectional survey
19
(24.1)
57
(39.3)
31
(34.8)
107
(35.1)
Qualitative study
3
(3.8)
16
(11.0)
17
(21.0)
36
(11.8)
Cohort study
8
(10.1)
21
(14.5)
4
(4.9)
33
(10.8)
RCT
14
(17.7)
7
(4.8)
8
(9.9)
29
(9.5)
Reviews
4
(5.1)
8
(5.5)
2
(2.5)
14
(4.6)
Reliability/diagnostic
2
(2.5)
8
(5.5)
1
(1.2)
11
(3.6)
Case-control study
4
(5.1)
1
(0.7)
3
(3.7)
8
(2.6)
Cluster RCT
4
(5.1)
1
(0.7)
2
(2.3)
7
(2.3)
Other
21
(26.6)
26
(17.9)
13
(16.0)
60
(19.7)
Total articles
79

145

81

305


Note

RCT = randomised controlled trial.

Rigby et al. BMC Medical Research Methodology 2004 4:28   doi:10.1186/1471-2288-4-28