CLINICAL RESEARCH

Three-arm CONSORT flow diagram

A three-arm CONSORT flow diagram extends the usual parallel trial structure by adding one allocation branch. The enrollment section records who was assessed, excluded, and randomized. Each arm then needs its own allocation, follow-up, and analysis counts. Put the treatment or dose name in the allocation box so readers can match the branch to the study methods. If participants discontinue or are excluded from analysis, record the count and reason in the correct branch. Keeping each arm aligned beneath randomization makes it easy to compare retention and analysis populations across all groups. Use the final counts that correspond to the analysis described in the results.

UPDATED 2026-09-24
EXAMPLEThree-arm CONSORT flow diagram
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CASE ANALYSIS

Scenario

Reporting allocation and retention in a three-arm dose-comparison trial.

Key decisions

  • Common entry: Keep screening and randomization together before branches.
  • Equal allocation: Label the assigned count for every arm.
  • Parallel follow-up: Show completion separately in each arm.
  • Final analysis: Keep analysed counts directly below their arm.

When to reuse this

Use this for trials comparing two active doses with placebo or any other three parallel treatment groups.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can a CONSORT diagram show three study arms?01
Yes. Add a parallel branch for each allocation arm and continue each through follow-up and analysis.
Where do dose names go?02
Put them in the allocation labels so each branch clearly identifies its intervention.
How should follow-up be reported?03
Give the completed, lost, or discontinued counts separately for every arm.
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