Glossary term
Efficacy: Efficacy means how well a treatment performs under controlled conditions, especially in clinical trials.
Why this term matters
Patients reading research coverage often confuse efficacy with effectiveness.
UK medical cannabis context
Important for interpreting NICE decisions and trial results.
What not to assume
High efficacy in a trial does not automatically mean the same outcome in routine care.
Careful wording: Avoid treating efficacy as a patient guarantee.
Related glossary terms
Related MCPH pages
Sources and review notes
This entry is educational vocabulary, not medical advice. Suitability, prescribing, product choice and monitoring belong with a qualified clinician or pharmacist.