Researchers at Aberdeen University have helped to develop a tool which they hope will make scientific trials more accurate.
The PRECIS-2 is already being used by trial designers in the UK and is being tested by the National Institute of Health in the US.
The scientific wheel is designed to help reduce inconsistencies in factors such as eligibility and setting.
Professor Shaun Treweek from Aberdeen University’s health services research unit said: “Around 25,000 randomised trials are published every year around the world.
“They are seen as the ‘gold standard’ test for proving a new drug or treatment is better than the existing one.
“The problem is that these trials are often fundamentally flawed from the outset because the parameters of the test are often too narrow.
“The end goal is to see the use of this tool taught as standard ‘good practice’ for trial designers so it becomes a routine part of the process. Funders are starting to take notice of this and we hope many will consider using it to ensure that their money is being spent on trials that have relevant results and real impact.”
