In the context of clinical trials, what does "monitoring" entail?

Monitoring in the context of clinical trials fundamentally involves overseeing the entire trial process to ensure that it is conducted in compliance with regulatory standards, protocols, and ethical guidelines. This includes verifying that the study is being carried out as outlined in the trial protocol, ensuring participant safety, and protecting their rights.

Key aspects of monitoring may include checking that data is being accurately recorded and that the trial follows the approved guidelines and safety regulations. The monitoring process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the trial and ensuring that the findings will be credible and replicable.

While assessing patient adherence, documenting study findings, and conducting interviews are important components of conducting a clinical trial, they do not encapsulate the broader and critical role of monitoring that encompasses oversight and compliance across the trial's entirety.