A clinical trial compared medical versus surgical treatment for stable angina. A large number of patients withdrew from the study.
What type of analysis should be used to estimate the likely benefits in similar groups of patients in future?
A: intention-to-treat
B: meta-analysis
C: on-treatment
D: post-hoc
E: sensitivity
Correct answer: A Explanation Intention-to-treat is a common method of analysis in randomised trials and considered good practice. The outcomes of those who withdrew are included in the final analysis according to the arm of the trial to which they were originally assigned.