Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Evidence-based Knowledge Synthesis and Hypothesis Validation: Navigating Biomedical Knowledge Bases via Explainable AI and Agentic Systems
Published on: June 13, 2025
Applicability of evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews to clinical practice: A conceptual
1Performance Assessment of the Health and Social Service System, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.
Background:
The value of randomized controlled trials is dependent on the applicability of their findings to clinical decision-making. The aim of this study is to determine a definition and principles for the applicability of evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews.
Methods:
This narrative review searched studies from PubMed and Web of Science databases using Cochrane Collaboration's Qualitative Evidence Syntheses guidance. Empirical studies were excluded. Based on the included studies, a definition for the concept and propositions for principles of applicability were formulated.
Results:
A definition and 11 propositions are presented, 6 propositions having additional sub-propositions. Low risk of bias, ability to answer to specific questions, documentation of the details of how randomized controlled trials turned out, reporting of favourable and adverse outcomes, and systematic comparison of randomized controlled trials and clinical data were considered important. Biomedical randomized controlled trials have the widest applicability, while heterogeneity in study characteristics, human perception, behaviour, environmental, equity factors, and health economic issues lessen applicability. Obtaining applicable evidence is a gradual process. Methodological and substance expertise is necessary for assessing applicability.
Discussion:
A definition of applicability and requirements for applicable evidence from randomized controlled trials to real-world contexts are presented. Propositions are suggested for any assessment of applicability of findings from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
More Related Videos
04:53A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition
Published on: September 20, 2019
06:55Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting Propensity Score using the Military Health System Data Repository and National Death Index
Published on: January 8, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast,...
Clinical Trials
There are four phases in a clinical trial. A phase one...
Clinical Trials: Overview
Bioequivalence of Drugs: Drugs with Multiple Indications
Hazard Ratio
For example, in a clinical trial...
Introduction to Epidemiology