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Abstract

Pragmatism in clinical trials arose from concerns that many trials did not adequately inform practice because they were optimized to determine efficacy. [1] Because such trials were performed with relatively small samples at sites with experienced investigators and highly selected participants, they could be overestimating benefits and underestimating harm. This led to the belief that more Realistic trials, designed to show the real-world effectiveness of the intervention in broad patient groups, were required. Medical researchers, both academic and commercial, must deliver health care innovations (drugs, devices, or other interventions) that are safe, beneficial, and cost-effective, and they must identify the subgroups for whom the innovation will provide the greatest benefit relative to risk. A broad view of an intervention, including approaches to improve its effectiveness, is critical. An ideal trial includes a population that is relevant for the intervention, a control group treated with an acceptable standard of care, and outcomes that are meaningful, and it must be conducted and analyzed at a high standard of quality. Realistic trials frequently include complex interventions, sometimes consisting of several interacting components [2] and often involving the skills and experience of one or more health care professionals to deliver the intervention for example, surgeons, physiotherapists, or cognitive behavioral therapists.


In this article, a definitive exposition of the methods used for Realistic trials is not described. Rather, we explore the contexts in which a Realistic design is most and least attractive and identify the strengths and limitations of and challenges in implementing realistic approach based trials.

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