In clinical research, what is meant by "secondary endpoint"?

In clinical research, a secondary endpoint refers to outcomes measured that provide additional insights beyond the primary endpoint. While the primary endpoint is usually the main measure that determines the trial's success, secondary endpoints are designed to assess other relevant effects of an intervention, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of its overall impact. These may include various health outcomes, quality of life metrics, or other factors that the researchers find valuable in evaluating the intervention's effectiveness.

The significance of secondary endpoints lies in their ability to provide contextual information that might not be captured through the primary outcome alone. They can help identify potential benefits or side effects of a treatment, improving the clinical implications of the research findings.

Other options do not accurately capture the essence of secondary endpoints. For example, a primary measure of the trial's success specifically relates to primary endpoints, while measures of participants' satisfaction and evaluations of financial implications do not reflect the broader set of insights gained from secondary endpoints.