What is an ethical consideration in the use of placebo controls in clinical trials?

• A. Ensuring equipoise
• B. Avoiding withholding effective treatment
• C. Ensuring participants are fully informed
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Ethical use of placebo controls requires balancing scientific validity with participant welfare. The best answer reflects that all of these considerations matter: there must be genuine clinical equipoise, meaning there is real uncertainty in the medical community about which approach is better; withholding a proven effective treatment by using a placebo is only acceptable when no proven therapy exists or when withholding does not cause harm; and participants must be fully informed, understanding that they may receive a placebo, what that means for their care, and their right to withdraw.

Together, these safeguards ensure the trial is scientifically credible while protecting participants from unnecessary harm and respecting their autonomy.