The Magic of Randomization versus the Myth of Real-World Evidence
Rory Collins, Louise Bowman, Martin Landray, Richard Peto
Abstract
Nonrandomized observational analyses have been promoted as alternatives to randomized clinical trials. However, randomization ensures balance between groups, whereas nonrandomized studies are often biased by between-group differences. Efforts to reduce the cost and complexity of clinical trials are preferable to relying on observational studies.
Topics & Concepts
Observational studyMedicineRandomizationRandomized controlled trialClinical trialMAGIC (telescope)SurgeryInternal medicinePhysicsQuantum mechanicsStatistical Methods in Clinical TrialsAdvanced Causal Inference TechniquesMeta-analysis and systematic reviews