How to choose a clinical trial question? Advice from SFAR's Research Network

Every research project begins with a question. As its nature will influence all subsequent steps, including the methodology, the question should be clear and well-defined from the outset. This is therefore a major step in carrying out a research project, which requires expertise and work. It is indeed clinical experience and previous research that lead to a good question. For it to be relevant, it is necessary to master existing literature on the subject, to be open to new ideas, new techniques, new methodologies, imagination and creativity, as well as to pay attention to mentorship and expert advice. This question must meet criteria for feasibility, interest, novelty, ethics, and relevance (the FINER criteria). It should be formulated in a structured way to ensure maximum clarity, for example following the PICOT framework. Therefore, defining the main question of your clinical trial is not just a semantic exercise.