Sham procedure
A procedure made to feel like the real one, without the active step.
What it means
A sham is the procedure equivalent of a placebo. The participant goes through the motions of the procedure, but the part expected to have an effect is not performed.
Why it matters if you take part
Shams are used where the treatment is a device or a procedure rather than a medicine. As with a placebo, the consent process explains what the sham involves before you agree.
Related terms
Trials recruiting now that include a sham comparison
85 recruiting trials in our Canadian corpus include a sham comparison.
A Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Bemdaneprocel in Adults Who Have Parkinson's Disease
Parkinsons Disease (PD) · PHASE3
Inflammatory Mediators of Glaucoma After Corneal Transplantation (AH-Tears)
Glaucoma · NA
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in MS Induced Spastic Paraparesis
Multiple Sclerosis · NA
Alleviant ALLAY-HFrEF Study
Heart Failure · NA
Theta-Burst Stimulation for Bipolar Depression
Bipolar Depression · NA
Efficacy of the COronary SInus Reducer in Patients With Refractory Angina II
Refractory Angina · NA
This explains how clinical research works. It is not medical advice and does not describe any specific condition or treatment. Only a trial site can determine whether someone can take part in a study.