How to avoid describing your radiological research study incorrectly

Abstract This review identifies and examines terms used to describe a radiological research “study” or “trial”. A taxonomy of clinical research descriptions is explained with reference to medical imaging examples. Because many descriptive terms have precise methodological implications, it is important that these terms are understood by readers and used correctly by researchers, so that the reader is not misled. Key Points • Multiple different terms are being used to describe radiological research “studies” and “trials”, and many of these terms have precise methodological implications. • Radiological researchers sometimes use titles that describe their research incorrectly. This can mislead the reader as to what was actually done. • It is important that readers and researchers understand the correct taxonomy of clinical research and that researchers adopt the correct description for their work.