Study Designs for Healthcare Flashcards
What is a descriptive study and what are the applications of descriptive studies?
- A study that describes the characteristics of a population, phenomenon etc.
- To describe ‘who, where, when and how much’ (relating to disease).
- Hypothesis generation
What is a case report?
What about a case series?
- Case report: A detailed report of an unusual disease in a single patient.
- Case series: A detailed report of an unusual disease in several patients.
What are the applications of a case report / series?
Hypothesis generation.
What is a cross-sectional study?
A study in which information is collected in a defined population at one point in time.
What is an ecological study?
- A study that uses data from population groups to compare disease frequencies.
- Either in the same population at different points in time, or between different populations at the same period in time.
What is an analytical study?
What are the types of analytical study?
- Studies used to test hypotheses concerning the relationship between a suspected risk factor and an outcome.
- Types of analytical study include observational and interventional.
What is the difference between an observational and interventional study?
In an observational study, the researcher is an observer of the outcomes, whereas in an interventional study, the researcher allocates exposure.
What are observational studies used for?
What is the question of observational studies?
- Used for aetiological investigations.
- Question: Does exposure to a factor result in disease?
What are the types of observational study?
Case control and cohort studies.
What is the difference between a case control study and a cohort study?
- In a case control study, the study starts with the identification of the disease and exposure is measured retrospectively.
- In a cohort study, the study starts with the identification of the exposure and disease is measured prospectively.
What are the types of interventional study?
Clinical trials and randomised control trials (RCTs).
What is a randomised control trial?
A study in which participants are randomised either to receive the new intervention being tested or a control treatment (standard treatment or placebo).
What is a qualitative study?
A study that explores people’s subjective understandings of their lives and experiences.
List 3 methods that might be used to conduct a qualitative study.
1 - Direct observation.
2 - Interviews.
3 - Focus groups.
