A commentary on randomized clinical trials: How to produce them with a good level of evidence :Olga Dumont Flecha, Dhelfeson Willya Douglas de Oliveira, Leandro Silva Marques, Patricia Furtado Gonçalves, Perspectives in Clinical Research

REVIEW ARTICLE
Year : 2016 | Volume : 7 | Issue : 2 | Page : 75--80

A commentary on randomized clinical trials: How to produce them with a good level of evidence

Olga Dumont Flecha¹, Dhelfeson Willya Douglas de Oliveira², Leandro Silva Marques¹, Patricia Furtado Gonçalves¹
¹ Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
² Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Correspondence Address:
Olga Dumont Flecha
Department of Dentistry, Rua da Glória, 187, Centro, Diamantina, Minas Gerais
Brazil

Randomized clinical trial (RCT) is the gold standard study for the evaluation of health interventions and is considered the second level of evidence for clinical decision making. However, the quality of the evidence produced by these studies is dependent on the methodological rigor employed at every stage of their execution. The purpose of randomization is to create groups that are comparable independent of any known or unknown potential confounding factor. A critical evaluation of the literature reveals that, for many years, RCTs have been developed based on inaccurate methodological criteria, and empirical evidence began to accumulate. Thus, guidelines were developed to assist authors, reviewers, and editors in the task of developing and assessing the methodological consistency of this type of study. The objective of this article is to review key aspects to design a good-quality RCT, supporting the scientific community in the production of reliable evidence and favoring clinical decision making to allow the patient to receive the best health care.

How to cite this article:
Flecha OD, Douglas de Oliveira DW, Marques LS, Gonçalves PF. A commentary on randomized clinical trials: How to produce them with a good level of evidence.Perspect Clin Res 2016;7:75-80

How to cite this URL:
Flecha OD, Douglas de Oliveira DW, Marques LS, Gonçalves PF. A commentary on randomized clinical trials: How to produce them with a good level of evidence. Perspect Clin Res [serial online] 2016 [cited 2023 Mar 21 ];7:75-80
Available from: http://www.picronline.org/article.asp?issn=2229-3485;year=2016;volume=7;issue=2;spage=75;epage=80;aulast=Flecha;type=0