Why is trial registration important in clinical research?

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Trial registration is about transparency and methodological integrity. By publicly documenting a trial's existence, its aims, planned outcomes, and analysis plan before results are known, it creates a verifiable record that helps prevent selective reporting and post hoc changes that could bias findings. This openness supports trust among researchers, clinicians, patients, and policymakers, and it makes it easier for others to find and include all relevant studies in reviews and meta-analyses. It also helps avoid duplicating efforts and ensures accountability across the research process. It is not about hiding results, it is not limited to marketing approvals, and it does not replace ethical review.