The beginning – historical aspects of clinical research, clinical research: Definitions, “anatomy and physiology,” and the quest for “universal truth”

Abstract

To answer many of their clinical questions, health care practitioners need access to reports of original research. This requires the reader to critically appraise the design, conduct, and analysis of each study and subsequently interpret the results. This first chapter reviews some of the key historical developments that have led to the current paradigms used in clinical research, such as the concept of randomization, blinding (masking) and, placebo-controls.