Abstract

The randomized controlled clinical trial is the most rigorous research method for studying interventions. In these studies, the researcher is interested in determining whether a causal relationship exists between intervention(s) and outcome(s). This is determined by comparing groups of individuals with different exposure to the intervention, and thus determining the effectiveness of the intervention, or lack thereof. Today this is recognized as one of the best levels of evidence related to Evidence-Based Nursing. In this context, this article presents the main characteristics of clinical trials, their conduct, considerations necessary for implementation, and their limitations. The goal is to encourage the use of clinical trials for applying nursing interventions. This is especially relevant, given that from the empirical point of view, they provide the best basis for evidence based nursing.