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Cluster randomized trial — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardPreventive Medicine, Epidemiology, BiostatisticsCluster randomized trialUSMLE Step 3

A health system randomizes 40 clinics to either a hypertension dashboard or usual care. Outcomes are blood pressure control rates among patients in each clinic after 1 year. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Cluster randomized trial

When groups such as clinics are randomized rather than individual patients, the design is a cluster randomized trial.

Reference: Current US clinical practice standards and USMLE Step 3 content outline, https://www.usmle.org/exam-resources/step-3-materials