What does 'clinically significant' refer to?

'Clinically significant' refers to a change that impacts healthcare decisions. This term is important in the medical field as it highlights changes in a patient's condition, test results, or treatment responses that are substantial enough to influence patient care. Such changes can lead to different treatment plans, adjustments in medication dosages, or a shift in the overall management of a patient's health.

For example, if a particular laboratory test shows a significant increase in a biomarker associated with a disease, that result may lead healthcare providers to initiate new interventions or modify treatment strategies. This concept is crucial because clinical significance goes beyond mere statistical findings; it emphasizes the real-world implications for patient outcomes and overall healthcare practices.