The journal is devoted to topics of generalizable interest to the clinical trials community in general and to clinical trials methodology in particular. Topics that fall within the Aims and Scope of Clinical Trials include data management, trial logistics, design and conduct of trials, statistical methods, impact of trials on practice and policy, ethics, law and regulation, synthesis and evidence evaluation, history, education and training, patient-related issues, decision analysis, and commentaries on current or controversial issues.

The journal does not publish articles that essentially reproduce the protocol for an individual clinical trial. Articles that simply report the results of a completed clinical trial are also not considered.