Types of clinical studies. IV. Clinical trials

Clinical practice should be based on the best available information from high-quality studies. Among the various study models, the randomized controlled trial, despite some disadvantages, is usually considered the gold standard for determining the efficacy of an intervention (drugs, surgery, etc.), and so this type of study should be part of all rational, conscious clinical decision-making. In this article, we present the classic structure of a randomized controlled trial, together with indications for critical appraisal of quality, as well as a brief discussion of the design, conduct and results, for correct determination of an intervention's effect.