How to Make Sense of Medical Studies: A Simple Guide

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are often called the gold standard in medical research. They help figure out if a treatment or intervention works and if it is safe. However, the math behind these trials can be tricky. Understanding some basic math ideas is key to knowing if the results really matter. First, let's talk about P-values. These numbers show if the results could have happened by chance. A low P-value means the results are likely real. But, a low P-value does not always mean the results are important in the real world. That is where clinical relevance comes in. It is about whether the results make a real difference in patient care. Another important idea is the confidence interval. This range shows where the true result is likely to be. A narrow range means the result is more precise. A wide range means there is more uncertainty. The way a study is designed also matters a lot. How the groups are randomized, how big the sample size is, and how missing data is handled can all affect the results. A good design makes the results more trustworthy. There are different ways to analyze the data. Intention-to-treat looks at everyone who started the trial, no matter what happened next. Per-protocol only looks at people who followed the plan exactly. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is also important to know the difference between pre-specified and post hoc analyses. Pre-specified analyses are planned from the start. Post hoc analyses are done after the trial is over. Post hoc analyses can sometimes lead to false positives, so they should be treated with caution. In the end, understanding these ideas helps doctors and researchers make good decisions based on evidence. It is not just about the numbers. It is about what those numbers mean for patients.