 Minimisation (clinical trials)

Minimisation is a randomisation technique used in clinical trials to ensure that treatment groups are comparable with respect to certain baseline characteristics. It is particularly useful in small trials where random assignment alone may result in imbalances between groups. The primary goal of minimisation is to reduce the potential for bias that could affect the trial's outcomes. In a minimisation process, as each participant is assigned to a treatment group, the allocation is influenced by existing group characteristics.