Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) can be an invaluable tool in determining the best treatment for patients.However if undertaken incorrectly they can lead to further confusion.They are the cornerstone of evidence based medicine.In the early 1990s there was rising concerns about the quality of RCTs.The reporting patterns were of variable quality.It was increasingly being recognised that many trials lacked methodology clarity.Another drawback was that trials were not reported in a uniform manner which made subsequent metanalysis difficult.RCTs are expensive both in terms of time and resources and it is important to maximise the benefits that can accrue.When correctly performed they can lead to significant changes in clinical practice and improved patient care.Negative findings are equally as important as positive findings in this regard.In 1993 a group consisting of medical journal editors, epidemiologists and methodologists met in Ottawa with the aim of producing a new template for the assessment of the quality of RCTs.Three years later in 1996 the original CONSORT statement was published.It was subsequently revised in 2001.It is now widely accepted by many medical journals.1 It is a guide for authors when reporting an RCT.In addition it gives guidance to editors and peer reviewers.The term which stands for Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials was introduced in order to improve the quality of RCTs.The idea behind CONSORT is that the reporting of an RCT should meet a basic uniform standard.CONSORT does not include directives about designing, conducting and analysing trials.It concentrates on reporting what was done and what was found.It has brought about improvements.An assessment of 616 RCTs in 2006 was compared with a corresponding number of RCTs in 2000.It was concluded that the quality of reporting had improved.
Source: PubMed
Author: J F A Murphy
Language: English
Subfield: Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1835467903