What are randomised trials?

The benefits of randomised trials.

SoSTART is a multicentre randomised trial of investigational medicinal product (CTIMP) prescribing strategies.

• This type of research is the fairest test of a treatment.
• In this trial, one group of people starts an anticoagulant drug and the other group does not start an anticoagulant drug.
• Participant would have a 50% chance of going into one or other group.
• Participant will know which group you go into. We will study how the two groups of people get on to work out what’s best.
• Research like this helps to continually improve the treatments and care provided to all patients now and in the future.

Further information about randomised trials

Five-minute video, “The Gold Standard. What are randomised controlled trials and why are they important?”

www.testingtreatments.org: a patient-friendly guide to key concepts for critical thinking about treatment claims. Plus an e-book to download or listen to.

Clinical trials: what they are and what they’re not : UK Clinical Research Collaboration  pamphlet:

The UK Clinical Trials Gateway can help you make informed choices about clinical trials.:

healthtalk.org: 42 videos of people talking about their experiences of taking part in a clinical trial.