Term: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2015-01-29

Definition:

A RCT is a scientifically rigorous study design used in clinical and epidemiological research. The participants in RCTs are assigned randomly to a control and one or more treatment groups. Participants in the latter group receive a preventive or therapeutic treatment. Analysis of the results involve a comparison of outcomes between the control and treatment groups (Last, 2001).

In Chateau et al. (2015), the Manitoba IMPRxOVE Program was set up as a RCT at the physician level. Participants in the treatment group received an intervention. The group Quality Indicator trigger rates were compared between the control and treatment groups, and the intervention effect was measured using intent-to-treat analyses.

For more information on case control and other types of epidemiological studies, please read the Study Design and Methods documentation, available on the MCHP web site.

Related terms 

• Control Group
• Intention-to-Treat Analysis
• Intervention Group
• Manitoba IMPRxOVE Program
• Quality Indicator Trigger Rates (QI Trigger Rates)

Links 

• MCHP Documentation - Study Design and Methods

References 

• Last JM. A Dictionary of Epidemiology. 4th Edition. In: Spasoff, RA, et. al. (eds). New York, New York: Oxford University Press; 2001. 0-0.(View)

Term used in 

• Chateau D, Enns M, Ekuma O, Koseva I, McDougall C, Kulbaba C, Allegro E. Evaluation of the Manitoba IMPRxOVE Program. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2015. [Report] [Summary] (View)