Ethical Challenges of Randomized Controlled Trials

Randomized Controlled Trials are the gold standard for evaluating medical interventions but can pose ethical challenges. This article explores these issues using the principles of beneficence, justice, non-maleficence, and autonomy as defined by Beauchamp and Childress. Major ethical challenges could emerge from informed consent, the use of placebo, suboptimal control arms, participant selection, endpoints, and post-trial access to treatments. The analysis highlights the need for rigorous ethical oversight to balance participant protection with scientific advancement.