Randomised controlled trials
Participants are randomly assigned to groups and the outcomes are compared. This is one of the most reliable ways to test whether an intervention works.
Methods and approaches
Methods and approaches
Health attracts a lot of offers: pills, procedures, diets, "proprietary techniques". This section helps you understand what confidence in a method is based on, what kinds of intervention exist and how to check a bold claim for yourself. We do not assess specific products or advise on treatment — that is decided with your doctor.
A good method is not afraid of questions. If asking for evidence gets you only testimonials and offence, that is already an answer.
How this section works: we explain the general principles for assessing methods and show where to check information yourself, but we do not rate specific medicines, clinics or practitioners.
What counts as evidence-based
Evidence is not the opinion of an authority but the quality of the data a conclusion is based on.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
They gather and assess all relevant studies on a question. Such reviews are published, among others, by the Cochrane Library.
Why personal experience is not evidence
A person may have got better on their own, because of other treatment or through the placebo effect. That is why comparisons with a control group are needed.
Types of intervention
Medicine uses different tools, and each has its own purpose and limitations.
Lifestyle
Physical activity, diet, sleep, not smoking and avoiding alcohol. WHO guidelines for adults are collected in the prevention section.
Medicines
Prescribed by a doctor taking into account the diagnosis, other medicines and contraindications. A medicine's registration can be checked in an official state register.
Screening and vaccination
Screening looks for disease before symptoms appear; vaccination lowers the risk of getting ill. What you need is decided with your doctor.
Surgery
The decision to operate is made together with your doctor after discussing benefits, risks and alternatives. Questions for that conversation are in a separate section.
How to check a claim about a method
A few simple steps you can take before buying.
Register of medicines
In Russia, the State Register of Medicines (GRLS, grls.rosminzdrav.ru) shows whether a product is registered as a medicine. Other countries have their own regulators and registers.
A supplement is not a medicine
A dietary supplement is not a medicine. If it is sold as a remedy for a disease, that is a reason to be cautious.
"Cures everything" promises
One remedy for many unrelated diseases, guaranteed results, "today only" urgency — these are typical signs of a dubious offer.
What to ask about a method before agreeing
- Which studies support the effect, and were they done in humans
- What the method was compared with: placebo, another treatment or nothing
- How much the absolute risk changes, not just the relative risk
- What side effects and contraindications the method has
- Whether the product is registered as a medicine (in Russia, in the GRLS register) or is a dietary supplement
- What happens if you do nothing or choose another option
Related sections
- Reading research
How to read health research news: study types, verification steps and red flags.
- Medical glossary
Plain-language definitions of terms from research, prevention, lab tests and medicine leaflets.
- Questions for your doctor
What to ask your doctor and who to see first.
Sources
- State Register of Medicines of the Russian Federation (GRLS, grls.rosminzdrav.ru)
- Cochrane Library
- WHO. Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour (2020)
Information is current as of the preparation date. The Russian check-up schedule, recommendations from health organisations and medicine registration rules may change — check current arrangements with your clinic and official sources.