How to read and interpret a Clinical Trial

Therapeutic decision-making on a rational basis implies the need ofappropriately understanding the nature of the available evidence regarding treatment effects. Randomised clinical trial is the optimal study to impartially assess the risks and benefits of a treatment or intervention. In order to make a proper use of this information, users should be able to appraise the trustworthiness or risk of bias of the study (should I believe it?), understand and interpret appropriately the results (what is it really telling me?), and understand its practical usefulness (who can this results be applied to?).

Introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine

The Evidence-Based Medicine has been established as the most influential trend in modern medicine, based on scientific paradigm. In short, it is about integrating clinical experience with a conscious, explicit and judicious use of the best scientific evidence available in each case. This approach helps to identify what the best treatment options for every need are and, consequently, it contributes to the rational use of available resources.