Designing a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

The design that can actually prove cause and effect. This level takes you from the classic randomized controlled trial through the modern, pragmatic designs, cluster, stepped-wedge, non-inferiority, that make trials work in the real health systems you operate in.

Who this level is for

Researchers and clinicians preparing to design or contribute to intervention studies, and program leaders who need to judge trial evidence. Recommended after Levels 1-5.

What you'll learn

• What a randomized controlled trial is, and when it is the right (and wrong) choice
• The three pillars: randomization, blinding and control groups
• How to choose interventions, controls, participants, outcomes and safety endpoints
• Modern designs: factorial, cluster, stepped-wedge, equivalence, non-inferiority and crossover
• The practical realities of running a trial, adherence, follow-up, intention-to-treat vs per-protocol

You finish with: A trial design sketch (if a trial fits your question).