Randomized Controlled Trial

A study in which the participants are divided by chance into separate groups that compare different treatments or other interventions. A Randomized Controlled Trial or (RCT) design randomly assigns participants into an experimental group or a control group. Using chance to divide people into groups means that the groups will be similar and that the effects of the treatments they receive can be compared more fairly.As the study is conducted, the only expected difference between the control and experimental groups in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the outcome variable being studied. During the trial, which treatment is best is not known.

Advantages

• Easier to blind/mask than from observational studies
• Proper randomization that washes out any population bias
• Populations of individuals participating are clearly identified
• Results are analyzed with known statistical tools

Disadvantages

• Does not reveal causation
• Expensive
• Loss to follow-up attributed to treatment
• Population bias as the group participating may not be representative of the whole

For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900