Possible data-generating models of longitudinal continuous outcomes and intercurrent events to investigate estimands

Abstract

Introduction/Background We aimed to explore data-generating models to jointly simulate outcomes and intercurrent events for randomised clinical trials to enable the investigation of estimands. Methods We developed four possible data-generating models for the joint distribution of longitudinal continuous clinical outcomes and intercurrent events under the scenario where they are observable: a selection model, a pattern-mixture mixed model, a shared-parameter model and a joint model of longitudinally observed outcomes and a survival model for intercurrent events. We present a case study in a short-term depression trial with repeated measurements of continuous outcomes and two types of intercurrent events, and evaluate the potential and challenges of such data-generating models. Results Simulating randomised trials with outcomes and intercurrent events is a complex undertaking. We found that the four possible data-generating models can simulate different types of intercurrent events and associated longitudinal outcomes. They can be used to emulate envisaged patterns of intercurrent events and outcomes informed by prior available trial data or expectations. Model and parameter choice for a given application requires further development. Conclusion The four possible data-generating models could be used to investigate different estimands and their properties in-depth in the design stage. Thereby they are useful tools for the selection of estimands a priori.