Table 1

Summary of conditions and interventions

N=90
Number of trials
n (%)
Long-term condition51 (56.7)
Rare condition2 (2.2)
Conditions expected to reduce lifespan27 (30.0)
 General shortening14/27 (51.9)
 Rapid mortality13/27 (48.2)
Conditions under study*
 Mental health15 (16.7)
 Heart disease/condition3 (3.3)
 Haematology/phlebology7 (7.8)
 Infections7 (7.8)
 Musculoskeletal6 (6.7)
 Cancer3 (3.3)
 Renal4 (4.4)
 Childbirth and pregnancy2 (2.2)
 Obstetrics and gynaecology2 (2.2)
 Addiction4 (4.4)
 Dermatology2 (2.2)
 Gastroenterology6 (6.7)
 Diabetes2 (2.2)
 Obesity/nutrition3 (3.3)
 Falls in the elderly3 (3.3)
 Sleep disorders2 (2.2)
 Stroke4 (4.4)
 Dental2 (2.2)
 Degenerative neurological disorders4 (4.4)
 Respiratory4 (4.4)
 Other5 (5.6)
Aim of intervention
 Treatment74 (82.2)
 Prevention13 (14.4)
 Diagnostic3 (3.3)
Nature of interventions used*
 Drug31 (34.4)
 Behavioural17 (18.9)
 Device15 (16.7)
 Surgery16 (17.8)
  Comparison with conservative management (n=16)7 (43.8)
 Physical, eg, exercise11 (12.2)
 Educational10 (11.1)
 Community care5 (5.6)
 Other4 (4.4)
Commissioned brief†45 (50.0)
  • *Categories not mutually exclusive.

  • †Topic of research identified by the funders for which collaborative applications are invited as opposed to an open call in which the applicants suggest the topic of research.