Randomized Controlled Trials As Sources Of Information In Evidence Based Medicine

Abstract

Physicians are constantly challenged by their patients, the media, and the rapid pace of technological advance 10 keep abreast of new diagnostic and therapeutic developments. Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the practice of making updated medical decisions through the judicious identification, evaluation, and application of the most relevant published information. RCTs are one of the best primary sources used in EBM Thus, evaluation of the strength and validity of the RCTs that supports the discussion on making medical decisions seems to be necessary. Jn this paper, main types of biases occurred during the course of an RCT as well as Assessment of RCTs as sources of information in evidence-based medicine are discussed.