How can bias affect the results of a clinical trial?

Bias can significantly impact the results of a clinical trial by leading to skewed outcomes and misrepresenting the true effects of an intervention. In clinical trials, bias can arise from various sources, including selection bias, measurement bias, and reporting bias. For example, if the participants selected for a trial are not representative of the broader population, the results may show a misleadingly positive or negative effect of the treatment. Additionally, if researchers unintentionally influence the data collection or interpretation, it can further distort the findings.

These misleading results can have serious implications for clinical practice, policy-making, and patient safety, as they may lead to the adoption of ineffective or harmful interventions. Therefore, recognizing and minimizing bias in clinical trials is essential for ensuring the validity and reliability of their outcomes, and for making sound evidence-informed decisions.