Negative Control Outcomes (NCOs)

What is a negative control outcome? 

Negative Control Outcomes (NCO) refer to the use of specific outcomes or variables in clinical research that are not expected to show any effect or association with the treatment being studied. These controls serve as a benchmark to identify and evaluate potential bias, confounding, or errors in study design or data analysis. By ensuring that negative control outcomes do not change under intervention, researchers can verify that observed effects are truly related to the treatment and not due to external factors. 

Why are negative control outcomes important? 

Negative control outcomes are an essential tool in ensuring the validity and integrity of clinical research. They help detect potential sources of error, bias, or confounding, providing reassurance that the observed effects are truly linked to the treatment being studied. By strengthening study rigor, negative control outcomes enhance the credibility of the results and can help accelerate regulatory approvals and improve patient care outcomes.