The conduct of randomised controlled trials in China: quality of trial reports and stakeholders’ views

China is an emerging force in undertaking randomised clinical trials. The quality of trials from China may affect not only its own substantial population but also potentially contribute to health policy throughout the world. However, little is known about the quality of clinical trials conducted there. In this thesis, I will evaluate the quality of published Chinese randomised controlled trials (RCTs) by comparing them with Indian RCTs as well as a set of ‘gold standard’ trials reported in leading European and North American journals. I will also describe and contrast the quality and biases within Chinese RCTs. I then explore the reasons for these differences from the point of view of the major RCT stakeholders: Chinese clinicians and patients. The potential influences from Chinese traditional culture is also evaluated. Chinese medical journal editors need to undertake more training on the reporting of RCTs; all medical societies should take more concern about doctors’ research work; the Chinese public media should help the general population to understand more about RCT principles