Methodology and reporting of randomised controlled trials

A systematic review of the literature will fail to provide information needed for evidence-based medicine (EBM) if the design, execution and reporting of individual trials do not adhere to strict guidelines. Experience gained while conducting systematic literature reviews have revealed serious shortcomings in current literature. These limitations pertain to randomisation, blinding, outcome assessments and data reporting. The principles related to these issues are discussed with solutions and improvements provided.