Better placebo advice needed in trials

摘要

CLINICAL trial participants should be better informed about the potential benefits and side-effects of placebos, according to a study published online in PLoS One (27 June 2012). The study explored what UK trial participants are told about placebos and their effects. The authors analysed 45 participant information leaflets that were handed out as part of randomised, placebo-controlled drug trials (see Panel).