What is the difference between real-world evidence and clinical trials?

What is the difference between real-world evidence and clinical trials?

Real-world evidence (RWE) refers to data collected outside of traditional clinical trials, such as from patient registries or electronic health records. Clinical trials, on the other hand, are controlled studies designed to test the efficacy and safety of a treatment under specific conditions.

Can you give examples of each?

Sure! An example of real-world evidence could be data from a large population of patients using a new medication in everyday settings. A clinical trial example would be a study where participants are randomly assigned to receive either the medication or a placebo to measure its effects.

Why is real-world evidence important?

Real-world evidence is important because it provides insights into how treatments work in diverse populations and everyday conditions, which can complement findings from clinical trials and help inform healthcare decisions.

Are there any limitations to real-world evidence?

Yes, some limitations include potential biases in data collection, lack of control over variables, and challenges in establishing causality compared to the controlled environment of clinical trials.