In blinded evaluations, who conducts the assessments?

In blinded evaluations, the assessments are conducted by assessors who are unaware of the treatment assignments. This is a key component of the blinding process, which helps eliminate bias in the evaluation of treatment effects. When assessors do not know whether participants are receiving the experimental treatment, a placebo, or another intervention, they are less likely to be influenced by their expectations or preconceived notions about the treatment's efficacy. This objectivity is crucial for ensuring the integrity and validity of the data collected during the trial.

In contrast, options such as a third-party auditor might be involved in oversight but not necessarily perform assessments under blinded conditions. Participants receiving treatment would not assess their own outcomes, as this could introduce significant bias. Clinical trial managers are primarily focused on the organization and oversight of the trial rather than conducting assessments themselves. Thus, the role of the assessors, who remain blind to treatment assignments, is essential for maintaining the scientific integrity of the trial results.