Qualität in der klinischen Forschung.

Clinical research-characteristics: Clinical research is a key component of developed health care systems, a major driving force of medical innovation, and, of course, an integral part of the German Federal Statutory Accident Insurance System. Specific institutions and well-trained experts are needed to cope with the rapidly emerging methodological, ethical, and administrative mandates of clinical research. Quality assurance and independence: Similar to other areas of health care, clinical research must demonstrate and maintain a high degree of structural and process quality. Yet, it can be shown that this increases the internal and external validity of research findings, as well as their likelihood of publication in renowned scientific journals. Apart from content validity, the relationship between individual investigators, their institutions, as well as public and commercial sponsors must be disclosed to maintain the integrity of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]