Standard of care
The treatment normally given for a condition outside a study.
Learning
What it means
Standard of care refers to the treatment widely accepted as appropriate for a condition in ordinary practice. New treatments are often compared against it.
Why it matters if you take part
In many studies the comparison group receives standard of care rather than a placebo, meaning they are treated as they would be anyway.
Related terms
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.