Stroke: trial by jury

Abstract

Trials of pharmacological intervention for acute stroke show several points of similarity with legal trials by jury. The relationships between sponsoring organisation and regulatory authorities and the roles of the many other participants are described. Only through a partnership can the common aim of developing improved treatment for patients with stroke be realised. Excellent structures and procedures have recently developed which minimise the risk of undertaking impractical, invalid or unreported trials. This will lead to greater confidence in our ability to identify a successful treatment and to discount worthless approaches.