[Main biases in clinical research].

Area of Science:

• Clinical Research Methodology
• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Research protocols must account for potential errors.
• Clinical research distinguishes between random errors and systematic errors (biases).
• Numerous biases have been identified in scientific literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the main biases encountered in clinical research studies.
• To outline strategies for avoiding or minimizing the effects of these biases.
• To provide a practical overview of biases relevant to various study types.

Main Methods:

• Biases are categorized into three main groups for clarity: selection biases, information biases (including performance biases), and confounding biases.
• The review considers biases within the context of specific research purposes: prognosis, therapeutics, causality, and diagnostic test studies.
• This approach facilitates a more specific and practical understanding of bias in research design.

Main Results:

• Key types of selection biases, information biases, and confounding biases are detailed.
• Specific examples and characteristics of each bias type are presented.
• Strategies for mitigation are discussed in relation to each bias category.

Conclusions:

• Understanding and addressing biases are crucial for the integrity of clinical research.
• Implementing strategies to avoid or minimize biases enhances the validity and reliability of study findings.
• This structured overview aids researchers in developing robust protocols and interpreting results accurately.