Educational platform trials simulator (EPTS): Software for planning and simulating cluster-randomised, multisite and simple randomised platform trials

Sayari, Mohammad; Singh, Akansha; Uwimpuhwe, Germaine; Akhter, Nasima; Coolen-Maturi, Tahani; Gupta, Rashmika; Einbeck, Jochen

Abstract

Platform trials offer a robust framework for evaluating multiple interventions simultaneously against a common control group within a single master protocol. Acknowledging their increased importance in the medical and social sciences, including education, a specialised software ‘Educational Platform Trials Simulator (EPTS) is designed. The software's user-friendly interface allows users to plan and execute simulations for randomised controlled trial designs, analyse data (Bayesian/ Frequentist methods, multilevel models, futility and superiority analyses), and visualise results without requiring extensive programming expertise. This practical, economical and academic tool facilitates efficient and effective research involving planning and simulating platform trials in education and other disciplines.

Citation

Sayari, M., Singh, A., Uwimpuhwe, G., Akhter, N., Coolen-Maturi, T., Gupta, R., & Einbeck, J. (2025). Educational platform trials simulator (EPTS): Software for planning and simulating cluster-randomised, multisite and simple randomised platform trials. SoftwareX, 31, Article 102214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.softx.2025.102214

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 21, 2025
• Online Publication Date: May 30, 2025
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jul 1, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 1, 2025
• Journal: Softwarex
• Electronic ISSN: 2352-7110
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 31
• Article Number: 102214
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.softx.2025.102214
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4145050