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Compound Evidence InstituteEvidence synthesis · established 2023Graded assessments of compounds, trials, methods and supply
Document set current to 30 July 2026
Defined term · Trial design and conduct

Pragmatic trial

A trial designed to estimate effectiveness under ordinary conditions rather than efficacy under ideal ones. Typically has broader eligibility, less intensive follow-up and a lower internal validity…

Document identifier
CEI-GT-059
Series
Defined term
Version
1.0
Published
30 Jul 2026
Last reviewed
30 Jul 2026
Certainty
Not rated

§1Pragmatic trial

§1.2Category

Trial design and conduct — Terms describing how a clinical study is constructed and run.

§1.3Related terms

  • Effectiveness — The effect of an intervention under ordinary conditions of use. Generally smaller than efficacy, principally because adherence and persistence outside a trial are lower.
  • Efficacy — The effect of an intervention under the conditions of a controlled trial, in a selected population with protocol-driven adherence and follow-up.
Compound Evidence Institute · CEI-GT-059 · https://compoundevidence.com/glossary/pragmatic-trial/ · retrieved 30 July 2026
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