a type of experimental study in which eligible participants are randomly assigned to one or more groups to receive different interventions, such as a new treatment, standard care, or a placebo. Randomisation helps ensure that the groups are comparable at the start of the trial, reducing bias and increasing the reliability of the results. Outcomes are then assessed and compared between the groups to determine the effectiveness and safety of the intervention(s).
Abbreviation: RCT
Example
A paediatric hospital conducts a Randomised Clinical Trial to test whether a new oral inhaler “X” can prevent pneumonia in children. Patients are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group receives the “X” inhaler, and the other group receives a placebo or standard care. Researchers then compare the rates of pneumonia between the two groups to evaluate the inhaler’s effectiveness.