Overcoming the funding challenge: the cost of randomized controlled trials in the next decade.
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) represent the gold standard of evidence-based medicine. However, over the last several decades, the cost associated with conducting RCTs has increased dramatically. Several factors contribute to higher costs associated with clinical trials. This paper describes important barriers to conducting surgical RCTs, identifies funding sources available to finance RCTs, and suggests strategies to maintain cost-efficient study practices as we move into the next decade.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Benjamin J
BJ
Shore
Adam Y
AY
Nasreddine
Mininder S
MS
Kocher
D003363:Cost Control; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000191:economics*; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States