What are “blinded” (or “masked”) studies?
In single- or double-blind, also called single- or double-masked studies, participants do not know which medicine is being used, so they can describe what happens without bias. These studies are designed to prevent members of the research team and study participants from influencing the results. This allows scientifically accurate conclusions. In single-blind (“single-masked”) studies, only the patient is not told what is being given. In a double-blind study, only the pharmacist knows; the other members of the research team are not informed. If medically necessary, however, it always is possible to find out what the patient is taking.
