Resources for patients and the public
What is a randomised trial and why are they important?
The following external resources provide background information about randomised controlled trials.
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Introductions to randomisation and randomised controlled trials:
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How clinical trials are planned and organised (CRUK)
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How trial results are analysed and shared
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What is trials methodology research? (MRC-NIHR Trials Methodology Research Partnership)
Why is transparent reporting of randomised trials important?
A short video explaining what we mean by trial "reporting", and why it is important that researchers share information about their trials.
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What to look for when you read a report of a randomised trial
Click the icons below to explore the most important details to look for when you read a report of a randomised trial, and why this information matters.
Key: things to think about when considering...
Can I trust the results of the trial?
What do the results mean for patients?
Is the trial relevant and important to me?
Further reading
Check out the "That's a Claim!" website from Informed Health Choices for more in-depth information about how to critically evaluate healthcare research