From September 2024 word limits will be introduced to the scientific sections of RDG applications, including feasibility studies.
These changes will be introduced to focus the scope of applications and to ensure that the scientific review process is manageable. Revised guidance on expected content for each section will be shared shortly.
We will confirm the exact date when these changes will be enforced in eRAP in the August 2024 bulletin. Applications submitted after the go live date must comply with the word limits for each section. You may wish to consider using these new limits when drafting applications going forward.
Please note that the new word limits will not be applied retrospectively to applications submitted before the go live date, nor will these new limits apply to required amendments or post approval amendments for protocols first submitted before the go live date.
The new word limits for the sections are listed below.
- Outcomes to be measured: 100
- Objectives, Specific Aims and Rationale: 250
- Study background: 250
- Study type: 50
- Study design: 100
- Feasibility count: 200
- Sample size: 200
- Planned use of linked data (if applicable): 200
- Definition of the study population: 250
- Selection of comparison group(s) or controls: 250
- Exposures, outcomes and covariates: 1000
- Data/statistical analysis: 1000
- Plans for addressing confounding: 200
- Plans for addressing missing data: 200
- Patient or user group involvement: 150
- Plans for disseminating and communicating study results: 150
- Conflict of interest statement: 150
- Limitations of the study design, data sources, and analytic methods: 200