What is the purpose of statistical analysis in clinical trials?

The purpose of statistical analysis in clinical trials is critically centered around establishing the significance of the study results and understanding the relationships between various variables. This involves using different statistical methods to analyze data collected during the trial to determine whether the observed effects, such as differences in outcomes between treatment groups, are likely to be genuine or merely the result of random variation.

Through statistical analysis, researchers can assess whether findings are statistically significant, which helps in evaluating the efficacy and safety of a treatment. This process often includes calculating p-values, confidence intervals, and effect sizes, which all contribute to establishing the reliability and validity of the trial findings. Additionally, statistical analysis allows researchers to control for confounding variables, ensuring that the results accurately reflect the impact of the intervention being studied.

While financial considerations, participant demographics, and follow-up procedures are important aspects of clinical research, they do not encompass the primary function of statistical analysis, which is to ascertain the robustness and implications of the research findings themselves.