Protocol for a systematic scoping review of reasons given to justify the performance of randomised controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are widely viewed to generate the most reliable medical knowledge. However, RCTs are not always scientifically necessary and therefore not always ethical. Unfortunately, it is not clear when an RCT is not necessary or how this should be established. This study seeks to systematically catalogue justifications offered throughout the medical and ethics literature for performing randomisation within clinical trials.

Methods and analysis

We will systematically search electronic databases of the medical literature including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Clinical Trials Register, Web of Science Proceedings, ClinicalTrials.gov; databases of philosophical literature including Philosopher's Index, Ph

SUBMITTER: Dewar B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6661623 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature