Real-world Evidence

Real-world evidence is defined as information on health care that is derived from multiple sources outside typical clinical research settings. The essential difference between real-world evidence and evidence from traditionally randomized clinical trial is the setting where data is collected, but not the study method or design. Real-world evidence has a better external validity and research efficiency when compared to evidence from traditionally randomized clinical trials, and thus is widely used in the assessment of the safety and efficacy of a medical product, in the analysis of clinical practice, etc. In recent years, increasing importance has been attached to real-world research in the context of rapid development of information technology and growing need for clinical evidence, suggesting its good prospects in the future.