What defines 'clinical trials' in healthcare?

Clinical trials are primarily defined as research studies designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of new medical interventions in human participants. These studies are crucial for advancing medical knowledge, primarily focusing on new drugs, medical devices, or treatment strategies. Clinical trials utilize rigorous scientific methods to gather data on how these innovations work in real-world applications, determining their potential benefits and risks for patients.

The essence of clinical trials lies in their structured phases which help to assess various factors such as dosage, efficacy, side effects, and overall impact on patient health. This evidence-based approach ensures that any new treatment or medical procedure is thoroughly vetted and can make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes before it is widely implemented.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of clinical trials. Tests on laboratory animals assess safety but do not involve human participants; surveys gather subjective feedback from patients but do not test medical interventions; and evaluations of hospital procedures are more about operation efficiency rather than testing new medical approaches. Hence, the focus on human testing for new medical approaches highlights why the correct answer pertains specifically to research studies involving people.