Is this process only used for drugs, or is it used for other aspects of medical research?

This process is primarily used for drugs, but similar procedures are also applied to dietary changes and devices. For instance, researchers can compare diets by prescribing them to a specific group while allowing another group to continue their regular diet.

Similarly, with a wearable device like a blood sugar monitor, one group wearing it can be compared to another group not using it.
Observational trials are also incredibly important for looking at risk factors and diagnostics.

With a rare condition, diagnosis in itself can be as much of a challenge as the actual treatment, and getting that diagnostic tool right is just as important as getting the treatment when you finally get the drug.

And it's not just about drugs. Observational studies can examine whether a particular type of scan is more effective than the currently available scans or whether a specific blood test can help detect a symptom before it becomes a full-blown condition. So, there are lots of different avenues for people to get involved.

Another example is a trial that studies swallowing patterns to see if there's a better way to define what happens to swallowing technique in people with EoE and to measure the management of their condition.