Exploring the Limitations and Potentials of RCTs: Beyond the Gold Standard

Are Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) always the definitive 'gold standard' in research? In the latest episode of In Silico Trials, Real Impacts!, we explore the nuanced landscape of RCTs, questioning their universal applicability and examining the complexities they often obscure. While RCTs are celebrated for their rigour, this discussion delves into their limitations, particularly when findings are applied across diverse contexts.

Drawing on seminal work by Deaton and Cartwright (2018), this episode highlights the critical role that RCTs play in the medical and social sciences, while underscoring the importance of complementing them with observational studies and theoretical frameworks. Ethical considerations and the need for a more integrated approach to research take centre stage, offering a fresh perspective on evidence generation.

Whether you're a researcher, healthcare professional, or simply curious about scientific methodologies, this episode provides thought-provoking insights into the evolving landscape of research.

Source: Deaton A, Cartwright N. Understanding and misunderstanding randomized controlled trials. Soc Sci Med. 2018 Aug;210:2-21.