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Measuring the success of blinding in placebo-controlled trials: Should we be so quick to dismiss it?

Authors :
Webster RK
Bishop F
Collins GS
Evers AWM
Hoffmann T
Knottnerus JA
Lamb SE
Macdonald H
Madigan C
Napadow V
Price A
Rees JL
Howick J
Source :
Journal of clinical epidemiology [J Clin Epidemiol] 2021 Jul; Vol. 135, pp. 176-181. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Mar 01.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

'Blinding' involves concealing knowledge of which trial participants received the interventions from participants themselves and other trial personnel throughout the trial. Blinding reduces bias arising from the beliefs and expectations of these groups. It is agreed that where possible, blinding should be attempted, for example by ensuring that experimental and control treatments look the same. However, there is a debate about if we should measure whether blinding has been successful, this manuscript will discuss this controversy, including the benefits and risks of measuring blinding within the randomised controlled trial.<br /> (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1878-5921
Volume :
135
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of clinical epidemiology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
33662512
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.02.022