Randomized controlled trials
Randomized Controlled Trials
A Randomized Controlled Trial (pronounced: /ˈrændəmaɪzd kənˈtroʊld ˈtraɪəl/), often abbreviated as RCT, is a type of scientific experiment which aims to reduce bias when testing a new treatment. The people participating in the trial are randomly allocated to either the group receiving the treatment under investigation or to a group receiving standard treatment (or placebo treatment) as the control.
Etymology
The term "Randomized Controlled Trial" originates from the statistical concept of randomization, which is used to ensure that the treatment and control groups are comparable, and the term controlled trial, which refers to trials that include a control group.
Process
RCTs are often used in testing new medications or new therapeutic approaches. The process begins with the selection of a large number of patients who are then randomly assigned to either the treatment or control group. This is done to ensure that the results are not biased by the selection of patients. The treatment group receives the new treatment while the control group receives a placebo or the standard treatment. The results are then compared to determine the effectiveness of the new treatment.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The main advantage of RCTs is that they are considered the gold standard in clinical research because they are the most reliable form of scientific evidence in healthcare. This is due to their ability to eliminate bias in the allocation of treatments.
However, RCTs also have some disadvantages. They can be expensive and time-consuming to conduct. In addition, they may not always be ethical or feasible, for example, in situations where it would be unethical to withhold a known effective treatment in the control group.
Related Terms
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