--- title: "Web-based minimization random allocation-clinical trials. | Sutter Health" description: "Objective: To provide clinical trialists with a robust, flexible, and readily accessible tool for implementing covariate-adaptive biased-coin randomization." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/web-based-minimization-random-allocation-1055312845" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Research](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research) / 3. [Research publications](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications) / 4. Web-based minimization random allocation-clinical trials. # An easily accessible web-based minimization random allocation system for clinical trials. Xiao L, Huang Q, Yank V, & Ma J. _J Med Internet Res. 15(7):e139._ 2013-07-01 ## Abstract Background: Minimization as an adaptive allocation technique has been recommended in the literature for use in randomized clinical trials. However, it remains uncommonly used due in part to a lack of easily accessible implementation tools. Objective: To provide clinical trialists with a robust, flexible, and readily accessible tool for implementing covariate-adaptive biased-coin randomization. Methods: We developed a Web-based random allocation system, MinimRan, that applies Pocock–Simon (for trials with 2 or more arms) and 2-way (currently limited to 2-arm trials) minimization methods for trials using only categorical prognostic factors or the symmetric Kullback–Leibler divergence minimization method for trials (currently limited to 2-arm trials) using continuous prognostic factors with or without categorical factors, in covariate-adaptive biased-coin randomization. Results: In this paper, we describe the system’s essential statistical and computer programming features and provide as an example the randomization results generated by it in a recently completed trial. The system can be used in single- and double-blind trials as well as single-center and multicenter trials. Conclusions: We expect the system to facilitate the translation of the 3 validated random allocation methods into broad, efficient clinical research practice. [PubMed abstract](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3785994) ## Research topics - [Biostatistics](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?query=%22%5C%22Biostatistics%5C%22%22) - [Health Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?query=%22%5C%22Health+Services%5C%22%22) ## Related publications [View all publications](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?verticalKey=research_publication) - Publication ### [Predicting all-cause risk of 30-day hospital readmission using artificial neural networks.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/predict-all-cause-risk-of-30-day-hospital-readmission-1055312686) Jamei M, Nisnevich A, Wetchler E, Sudat S, Liu E. PLoS One. 12(7):e0181173. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181173. eCollection 2017. 2017 Jul 14 - Publication ### [Predicting need for advanced illness or palliative care in a primary care population using electronic health record data.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/predict-need-for-palliative-care-in-primary-care-with-ehrs-1055312675) Jung K, Sudat SEK, Kwon N, Stewart WF, Shan NH. J Biomed Inform. 92:103115. 2019 Apr 01 - Publication ### [Causal inference and prediction in health studies: environmental exposures and schistosomiasis, HIV-1 genotypic susceptibility scores and virologic suppression, and risk of hospital readmission for heart failure patients.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/causal-inference-and-predication-in-three-health-studies-1055312735) Sudat, S. UC Berkeley. ProQuest ID: Sudat\_berkeley\_0028E\_12729. Merritt ID: ark:/13030/m5xw4pw5. Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9z03362s 2012 Jun 01 - Publication ### [The public's opinions of physicians: do perceived choice and exercised choice matter?](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/public-opinion-mds-perceived-exercised-choice-1055312570) Tai-Seale M, Pescosolido B. Am J Manag Care. 9(9):631-8. 2003 Sep 01 - Publication ### [Physician engagement with metrics in Lean primary care transformation.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/physician-engagement-lean-primary-care-transformation-1055312390) Gray CP, Yakir M, Hung DY. Qual Manag Health Care. 27(3):117-122. doi: 10.1097/QMH.0000000000000182. 2018 Jul 01 [View all publications](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?verticalKey=research_publication) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/web-based-minimization-random-allocation-1055312845#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Research","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/research"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Research publications","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Web-based minimization random allocation-clinical trials."}]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalScholarlyArticle","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/web-based-minimization-random-allocation-1055312845#medicalscholarlyarticle","name":"An easily accessible web-based minimization random allocation system for clinical trials.","headline":"Web-based minimization random allocation-clinical trials.","abstract":"Background: Minimization as an adaptive allocation technique has been recommended in the literature for use in randomized clinical trials. However, it remains uncommonly used due in part to a lack of easily accessible implementation tools. Objective: To provide clinical trialists with a robust, flexible, and readily accessible tool for implementing covariate-adaptive biased-coin randomization. Methods: We developed a Web-based random allocation system, MinimRan, that applies Pocock–Simon (for trials with 2 or more arms) and 2-way (currently limited to 2-arm trials) minimization methods for trials using only categorical prognostic factors or the symmetric Kullback–Leibler divergence minimization method for trials (currently limited to 2-arm trials) using continuous prognostic factors with or without categorical factors, in covariate-adaptive biased-coin randomization. Results: In this paper, we describe the system’s essential statistical and computer programming features and provide as an example the randomization results generated by it in a recently completed trial. 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