A paper has been published today, first authored by a member of SITU and which includes Doug Altman as a co-author where they discuss the usage of sample size and conclude that there are substantial variations in practice exist with awareness, use, and willingness to recommend methods varying substantially.
The findings support the view that sample size calculation is a more complex process than would appear to be the case from trial reports and protocols. Guidance on approaches for sample size estimation may increase both awareness and use of appropriate formal methods.
Read the article at: http://ctj.sagepub.com/content/early/2014/03/06/1740774514521907