RCT (Randomized Clinical Trial)

RCT (randomized clinical trial) is a form of medical study in which the participants are assigned completely by chance to the specific treatment or device being tested. Clinical trials, including randomized ones, are performed in order to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a drug or device by studying the effects on a group of subjects.

Why is an RCT Done?

An RCT is a study design that often provides the most compelling evidence as to the effects of the medication being studied. This is because an RCT is an effective way to remove bias from the study. Study subjects are randomly assigned either the study treatment or a placebo, and oftentimes, a double-blind design can be used. This is when even the researchers do not know which treatment is being given to which subject. Randomization and blinds such as these allow the true effects of the study treatment be more accurately monitored, since the subjects (and possibly even the researchers) do not know who received the treatment or a placebo (a simulated medical intervention).

Issues

Even with randomization designed to prevent bias, an RCT can still be skewed by researchers. Clinical trials that are improperly designed, whether by dosage amounts, subject selection, or other criteria, can produce results that may not be entirely accurate. Even worse, some drug trials in America are criticized due to the influence of drug companies with large budgets and rooting interests in the promotion of their medications. There are also some other inherent disadvantages that can come into play with an RCT, such as costs, limitations on external validity, statistical error, and others. However, when designed and executed properly, an RCT can be a very effective research tool for studying the effectiveness and safety of a medication.