Beyond Jadad: some essential features in trial quality

Abstract

Randomized trials are considered the gold standard for design in medical research. However, poor quality trials often escape scrutiny cloaked under the umbrella term ‘randomized trials‘, leading to misinformation and bringing tangible harm to patients who rely on only valid research evidence. To enhance both trial quality and the quality of evidence, we need to recognize potential flaws that can invalidate entire trials. This perspective will discuss some key issues in clinical trials including α preservation, surrogate and composite end points and spin reporting. In addition, current quality rating scales and a reporting guide will be examined for their capacity to evaluate and guide trial quality on the features discussed. Finally, the quality evaluating tools will be summarized and a future perspective on trial quality provided.