Controlled studies performed by the general practitioner: problems and chances

Abstract: The great art of controlled studies is to succeed in an optimal comparability of the different collectives. Comparable groups should differ only with respect to the therapeutic measures. In this case differences in the therapeutic effects depend exclusively on the different patterns of treatment. Comparability of the treatment groups concerns the homogenousness (identity of structure), the treatment of the patients (identity of treatment) and the observation intensity (identity of observation). Statistical methods have been developed for achieving an optimal correspondence of structure, treatment and observation in the different treatment groups. These methods include randomization, application of placebos, blind studies and joined test design. Studies performed at the general pracitioner's are characterized by specific problems, but also offer exceptional chances.

Keyword(s): Clinical studies

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