randomisation, blinding and bias

Question 1

randomisation

Answer 1

based on chance alone by which study participant is assigned to either treatment or control group

Question 2

randomisation minimises

Answer 2

the difference among groups by equally distributing people with particular characteristics among all trial arms
–> reducing confounding effect

Question 3

randomisation prevents

Answer 3

bias associated with patients and investigators expectations

Question 4

blinding

Answer 4

refers to keeping study participants, those involved with their management, and those collecting and analysing data unaware of the assigned treatment
–> therefore researchers cant be influenced by known if participant had drug or not

Question 5

bias

Answer 5

a process where scientists performing the research influence the results, in order to portray a certain outcome

Question 6

Explain Intention to treat analysis

Answer 6

treatment group are analysed as they were intended to be i.e. even if they completed the protocol or not

Question 7

how would a participant be treated if they crossed over to the other arm

Answer 7

analysed as they were intended to be

Question 8

why is ITT important

Answer 8

maintains composition of treatment groups - reducing the potential for confounding results from an imbalance in baseline characteristics