Blinding and Placebos

Question 1

In situations where double-blinding is not possible, what measures could be taken?

Answer 1

Consider the extent/importance of the bias introduced without full blinding

Consider if single blinding is sufficient

Consider whether the outcome measured is appropriate to achieve a reliable result

Consider blinding those responsible analysing participant outcomes

Question 2

Is allocation concealment possible in every scenario?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

What is blinding?

Answer 3

Blinding is a process of ensuring that the participant and/or the person[s] administering the treatment and/or the trial evaluators don’t know (i.e. are ‘blind to’) which treatment is allocated to whom.

Question 4

What biases may be introduced from improper blinding?

Answer 4

Detection, performance, reporting and attrition bias