A brief history of the randomized controlled trial. From oranges and lemons to the gold standard

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2000 Aug;14(4):745-60, vii. doi: 10.1016/s0889-8588(05)70309-9.

Abstract

This article discusses the history and development of randomized clinical trial methodology, the reasons for its status and authority as a method of therapeutic evaluation, and the continuing role of clinical judgement in designing, interpreting, and applying the findings of trials.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / history
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / methods
  • Drug Evaluation / history
  • Drug Evaluation / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Drug Evaluation / methods
  • Europe
  • History, 18th Century
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Politics
  • Public Opinion
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / history*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / methods
  • Research Design
  • Truth Disclosure
  • United States
  • United States Public Health Service / history

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents