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| cons of observational studies: Pain Alaa Abd-Elsayed, 2019-05-10 This concise but comprehensive guide covers common procedures in pain management necessary for daily practice, and includes topics on international pain medicine curricula, for example, the American Board of Anesthesiology, World Institute of Pain/Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice, and American Board of Pain Medicine. Treatments for pain are discussed, including nerve blocks (head, neck, back, pelvis and lower extremity). Chapters have a consistent format including high yield points for exams, and questions in the form of case studies. Pain: A Review Guide is aimed at trainees in pain medicine all over the world. This book will also be beneficial to all practitioners who practice pain. |
| cons of observational studies: Developing a Protocol for Observational Comparative Effectiveness Research: A User's Guide Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (U.S.), 2013-02-21 This User’s Guide is a resource for investigators and stakeholders who develop and review observational comparative effectiveness research protocols. It explains how to (1) identify key considerations and best practices for research design; (2) build a protocol based on these standards and best practices; and (3) judge the adequacy and completeness of a protocol. Eleven chapters cover all aspects of research design, including: developing study objectives, defining and refining study questions, addressing the heterogeneity of treatment effect, characterizing exposure, selecting a comparator, defining and measuring outcomes, and identifying optimal data sources. Checklists of guidance and key considerations for protocols are provided at the end of each chapter. The User’s Guide was created by researchers affiliated with AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program, particularly those who participated in AHRQ’s DEcIDE (Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions About Effectiveness) program. Chapters were subject to multiple internal and external independent reviews. More more information, please consult the Agency website: www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov) |
| cons of observational studies: Observational Studies Paul R. Rosenbaum, 2013-06-29 An observational study is an empirical investigation of the effects of treatments, policies, or exposures. It differes from an experiment in that the investigator cannot control the assignments of treatments to subjects. Scientists across a wide range of disciplines undertake such studies, and the aim of this book is to provide a sound statistical account of the principles and methods for the design and analysis of observational studies. Readers are assumed to have a working knowledge of basic probability and statistics, but otherwise the account is reasonably self-contained. Throughout there are extended discussions of actual observational studies to illustrate the ideas discussed. These are drawn from topics as diverse as smoking and lung cancer, lead in children, nuclear weapons testing, and placement programs for students. As a result, many researchers involved in observational studes will find this an invaluable companion to their work. |
| cons of observational studies: Data Collection and Analysis Roger Sapsford, Victor Jupp, 2006-03-29 In simple and non-technical terms, this text illustrates a wide range of techniques and approaches used in social research projects. |
| cons of observational studies: Assessment of Cancer Screening Pamela M. Marcus, 2022 Cancer screening is a prominent strategy in cancer control in the United States, yet the ability to correctly interpret cancer screening data eludes many researchers, clinicians, and policy makers. This open access primer rectifies that situation by teaching readers, in simple language and with straightforward examples, why and how the population-level cancer burden changes when screening is implemented, and how we assess whether that change is of benefit. This book provides an in-depth look at the many aspects of cancer screening and its assessment, including screening phenomena, performance measures, population-level outcomes, research designs, and other important and timely topics. Concise, accessible, and focused, Assessment of Cancer Screening: A Primer is best suited to those with education or experience in clinical research or public health in the United States - no previous knowledge of cancer screening assessment is necessary. This is the first text dedicated to cancer screening theory and methodology to be published in 20 years. |
| cons of observational studies: Design of Observational Studies Paul R. Rosenbaum, 2009-10-22 An observational study is an empiric investigation of effects caused by treatments when randomized experimentation is unethical or infeasible. Observational studies are common in most fields that study the effects of treatments on people, including medicine, economics, epidemiology, education, psychology, political science and sociology. The quality and strength of evidence provided by an observational study is determined largely by its design. Design of Observational Studies is both an introduction to statistical inference in observational studies and a detailed discussion of the principles that guide the design of observational studies. Design of Observational Studies is divided into four parts. Chapters 2, 3, and 5 of Part I cover concisely, in about one hundred pages, many of the ideas discussed in Rosenbaum’s Observational Studies (also published by Springer) but in a less technical fashion. Part II discusses the practical aspects of using propensity scores and other tools to create a matched comparison that balances many covariates. Part II includes a chapter on matching in R. In Part III, the concept of design sensitivity is used to appraise the relative ability of competing designs to distinguish treatment effects from biases due to unmeasured covariates. Part IV discusses planning the analysis of an observational study, with particular reference to Sir Ronald Fisher’s striking advice for observational studies, make your theories elaborate. The second edition of his book, Observational Studies, was published by Springer in 2002. |
| cons of observational studies: Basic Epidemiology R. Bonita, R. Beaglehole, Tord Kjellström, World Health Organization, 2006 Basic epidemiology provides an introduction to the core principles and methods of epidemiology, with a special emphasis on public health applications in developing countries. This edition includes chapters on the nature and uses of epidemiology; the epidemiological approach to defining and measuring the occurrence of health-related states in populations; the strengths and limitations of epidemiological study designs; and the role of epidemiology in evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of health care. The book has a particular emphasis on modifiable environmental factors and encourages the application of epidemiology to the prevention of disease and the promotion of health, including environmental and occupational health. |
| cons of observational studies: Epidemiology Mark Woodward, 1999-05-25 Epidemiology is a subject of growing importance, as witnessed by its role in the description and prediction of the impact of new diseases such as AIDS and new-variant CJD. Epidemiology: Study Design and Data Analysis covers the whole spectrum of standard analytical techniques used in epidemiology, from descriptive techniques in report writing to model diagnostics from generalized linear models. The author discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and alternatives to case-control, cohort and intervention studies and details such crucial concepts as incidence, prevalence, confounding and interaction. Many exercises are provided, based on real epidemiological data sets collected from all over the world. The data sets are also available on an associated web site. Epidemiology: Study Design and Data Analysis will be an invaluable textbook for statistics and medical students studying epidemiology, and a standard reference for practicing epidemiologists. |
| cons of observational studies: Planning Clinical Research Robert A. Parker, Nancy G. Berman, 2016-10-12 Planning clinical research requires many decisions. The authors of this book explain key decisions with examples showing what works and what does not. |
| cons of observational studies: Saving Women's Lives National Research Council, Institute of Medicine, Policy and Global Affairs, Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy, National Cancer Policy Board, Committee on New Approaches to Early Detection and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer, 2005-03-18 The outlook for women with breast cancer has improved in recent years. Due to the combination of improved treatments and the benefits of mammography screening, breast cancer mortality has decreased steadily since 1989. Yet breast cancer remains a major problem, second only to lung cancer as a leading cause of death from cancer for women. To date, no means to prevent breast cancer has been discovered and experience has shown that treatments are most effective when a cancer is detected early, before it has spread to other tissues. These two facts suggest that the most effective way to continue reducing the death toll from breast cancer is improved early detection and diagnosis. Building on the 2001 report Mammography and Beyond, this new book not only examines ways to improve implementation and use of new and current breast cancer detection technologies but also evaluates the need to develop tools that identify women who would benefit most from early detection screening. Saving Women's Lives: Strategies for Improving Breast Cancer Detection and Diagnosis encourages more research that integrates the development, validation, and analysis of the types of technologies in clinical practice that promote improved risk identification techniques. In this way, methods and technologies that improve detection and diagnosis can be more effectively developed and implemented. |
| cons of observational studies: Encyclopedia of Research Design Neil J. Salkind, 2010-06-22 Comprising more than 500 entries, the Encyclopedia of Research Design explains how to make decisions about research design, undertake research projects in an ethical manner, interpret and draw valid inferences from data, and evaluate experiment design strategies and results. Two additional features carry this encyclopedia far above other works in the field: bibliographic entries devoted to significant articles in the history of research design and reviews of contemporary tools, such as software and statistical procedures, used to analyze results. It covers the spectrum of research design strategies, from material presented in introductory classes to topics necessary in graduate research; it addresses cross- and multidisciplinary research needs, with many examples drawn from the social and behavioral sciences, neurosciences, and biomedical and life sciences; it provides summaries of advantages and disadvantages of often-used strategies; and it uses hundreds of sample tables, figures, and equations based on real-life cases.--Publisher's description. |
| cons of observational studies: The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods Mike Allen, 2017-04-11 Communication research is evolving and changing in a world of online journals, open-access, and new ways of obtaining data and conducting experiments via the Internet. Although there are generic encyclopedias describing basic social science research methodologies in general, until now there has been no comprehensive A-to-Z reference work exploring methods specific to communication and media studies. Our entries, authored by key figures in the field, focus on special considerations when applied specifically to communication research, accompanied by engaging examples from the literature of communication, journalism, and media studies. Entries cover every step of the research process, from the creative development of research topics and questions to literature reviews, selection of best methods (whether quantitative, qualitative, or mixed) for analyzing research results and publishing research findings, whether in traditional media or via new media outlets. In addition to expected entries covering the basics of theories and methods traditionally used in communication research, other entries discuss important trends influencing the future of that research, including contemporary practical issues students will face in communication professions, the influences of globalization on research, use of new recording technologies in fieldwork, and the challenges and opportunities related to studying online multi-media environments. Email, texting, cellphone video, and blogging are shown not only as topics of research but also as means of collecting and analyzing data. Still other entries delve into considerations of accountability, copyright, confidentiality, data ownership and security, privacy, and other aspects of conducting an ethical research program. Features: 652 signed entries are contained in an authoritative work spanning four volumes available in choice of electronic or print formats. Although organized A-to-Z, front matter includes a Reader’s Guide grouping entries thematically to help students interested in a specific aspect of communication research to more easily locate directly related entries. Back matter includes a Chronology of the development of the field of communication research; a Resource Guide to classic books, journals, and associations; a Glossary introducing the terminology of the field; and a detailed Index. Entries conclude with References/Further Readings and Cross-References to related entries to guide students further in their research journeys. The Index, Reader’s Guide themes, and Cross-References combine to provide robust search-and-browse in the e-version. |
| cons of observational studies: Principles of Research Design and Drug Literature Evaluation Rajender R. Aparasu, John P. Bentley, 2014-03-07 Principles of Research Design and Drug Literature Evaluation is a unique resource that provides a balanced approach covering critical elements of clinical research, biostatistical principles, and scientific literature evaluation techniques for evidence-based medicine. This accessible text provides comprehensive course content that meets and exceeds the curriculum standards set by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Written by expert authors specializing in pharmacy practice and research, this valuable text will provide pharmacy students and practitioners with a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of drug literature evaluation with a strong grounding in research and biostatistical principles. Principles of Research Design and Drug Literature Evaluation is an ideal foundation for professional pharmacy students and a key resource for pharmacy residents, research fellows, practitioners, and clinical researchers. FEATURES * Chapter Pedagogy: Learning Objectives, Review Questions, References, and Online Resources * Instructor Resources: PowerPoint Presentations, Test Bank, and an Answer Key * Student Resources: a Navigate Companion Website, including Crossword Puzzles, Interactive Flash Cards, Interactive Glossary, Matching Questions, and Web Links From the Foreword: This book was designed to provide and encourage practitioner’s development and use of critical drug information evaluation skills through a deeper understanding of the foundational principles of study design and statistical methods. Because guidance on how a study’s limited findings should not be used is rare, practitioners must understand and evaluate for themselves the veracity and implications of the inherently limited primary literature findings they use as sources of drug information to make evidence-based decisions together with their patients. The editors organized the book into three supporting sections to meet their pedagogical goals and address practitioners’ needs in translating research into practice. Thanks to the editors, authors, and content of this book, you can now be more prepared than ever before for translating research into practice. L. Douglas Ried, PhD, FAPhA Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Journal of the American Pharmacists Association Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas |
| cons of observational studies: Finding What Works in Health Care Institute of Medicine, Board on Health Care Services, Committee on Standards for Systematic Reviews of Comparative Effectiveness Research, 2011-07-20 Healthcare decision makers in search of reliable information that compares health interventions increasingly turn to systematic reviews for the best summary of the evidence. Systematic reviews identify, select, assess, and synthesize the findings of similar but separate studies, and can help clarify what is known and not known about the potential benefits and harms of drugs, devices, and other healthcare services. Systematic reviews can be helpful for clinicians who want to integrate research findings into their daily practices, for patients to make well-informed choices about their own care, for professional medical societies and other organizations that develop clinical practice guidelines. Too often systematic reviews are of uncertain or poor quality. There are no universally accepted standards for developing systematic reviews leading to variability in how conflicts of interest and biases are handled, how evidence is appraised, and the overall scientific rigor of the process. In Finding What Works in Health Care the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends 21 standards for developing high-quality systematic reviews of comparative effectiveness research. The standards address the entire systematic review process from the initial steps of formulating the topic and building the review team to producing a detailed final report that synthesizes what the evidence shows and where knowledge gaps remain. Finding What Works in Health Care also proposes a framework for improving the quality of the science underpinning systematic reviews. This book will serve as a vital resource for both sponsors and producers of systematic reviews of comparative effectiveness research. |
| cons of observational studies: Understanding Clinical Research Renato D. Lopes, Robert A. Harrington, 2013-05-22 A complete guide to understanding and applying clinical research results Ideal for both researchers and healthcare providers Understanding Clinical Research addresses both the operational challenges of clinical trials and the needs of clinicians to comprehend the nuances of research methods to accurately analyze study results. This timely resource covers all aspects of clinical trials--from study design and statistics to regulatory oversight--and it delivers a detailed yet streamlined overview of must-know research topics. The text features an accessible three-part organization that traces the evolution of clinical research and explains the bedrock principles and unique challenges of clinical experimentation and observational research. Reinforcing this content are real-life case examples--drawn from the authors' broad experience--that put chapter concepts into action and contribute to a working knowledge of integral research techniques. FEATURES: The most definitive guide to promoting excellence in clinical research, designed to empower healthcare providers to assess a study's strengths and weaknesses with confidence and apply this knowledge to optimize patient outcomes In-depth coverage of fundamental research methods and protocols from preeminent authorities provides readers with an instructive primer and a springboard for ongoing clinical research education Clear, comprehensive three-part organization: Section One: Evolution of Clinical Research offers a succinct history of clinical trials, drug regulations, and the role of the FDA while covering the impact of information technology and academic research organizations Section Two: Principles of Clinical Experimentation takes you through the typical phases of clinical trials in the development of medical products, from initial human subject research to postapproval surveillance studies Section Three: Observational Research highlights the underlying principles, pitfalls, and methods for case-control studies, cohort studies, registries, and subgroup analyses within randomized trials |
| cons of observational studies: Measuring Racial Discrimination National Research Council, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Committee on National Statistics, Panel on Methods for Assessing Discrimination, 2004-07-24 Many racial and ethnic groups in the United States, including blacks, Hispanics, Asians, American Indians, and others, have historically faced severe discriminationâ€pervasive and open denial of civil, social, political, educational, and economic opportunities. Today, large differences among racial and ethnic groups continue to exist in employment, income and wealth, housing, education, criminal justice, health, and other areas. While many factors may contribute to such differences, their size and extent suggest that various forms of discriminatory treatment persist in U.S. society and serve to undercut the achievement of equal opportunity. Measuring Racial Discrimination considers the definition of race and racial discrimination, reviews the existing techniques used to measure racial discrimination, and identifies new tools and areas for future research. The book conducts a thorough evaluation of current methodologies for a wide range of circumstances in which racial discrimination may occur, and makes recommendations on how to better assess the presence and effects of discrimination. |
| cons of observational studies: Replication and Evidence Factors in Observational Studies Paul Rosenbaum, 2021-03-30 Outside of randomized experiments, association does not imply causation, and yet there is nothing defective about our knowledge that smoking causes lung cancer, a conclusion reached in the absence of randomized experimentation with humans. How is that possible? If observed associations do not identify causal effects in observational studies, how can a sequence of such associations become decisive? Two or more associations may each be susceptible to unmeasured biases, yet not susceptible to the same biases. An observational study has two evidence factors if it provides two comparisons susceptible to different biases that may be combined as if from independent studies of different data by different investigators, despite using the same data twice. If the two factors concur, then they may exhibit greater insensitivity to unmeasured biases than either factor exhibits on its own. Replication and Evidence Factors in Observational Studies includes four parts: A concise introduction to causal inference, making the book self-contained Practical examples of evidence factors from the health and social sciences with analyses in R The theory of evidence factors Study design with evidence factors A companion R package evident is available from CRAN. |
| cons of observational studies: Problems and Methods in the Study of Politics Ian Shapiro, Rogers M. Smith, Tarek E. Masoud, 2004-09-09 The study of politics seems endlessly beset by debates about method. At the core of these debates is a single unifying concern: should political scientists view themselves primarily as scientists, developing ever more sophisticated tools and studying only those phenomena to which such tools may fruitfully be applied? Or should they instead try to illuminate the large, complicated, untidy problems thrown up in the world, even if the chance to offer definitive explanations is low? Is there necessarily a tension between these two endeavours? Are some domains of political inquiry more amenable to the building up of reliable, scientific knowledge than others, and if so, how should we deploy our efforts? In this book, some of the world's most prominent students of politics offer original discussions of these pressing questions, eschewing narrow methodological diatribes to explore what political science is and how political scientists should aspire to do their work. |
| cons of observational studies: The Handbook of Online and Social Media Research Ray Poynter, 2010-08-27 Drawing together the new techniques available to the market researcher into a single reference, The Handbook of Online and Social Media Research explores how these innovations are being used by the leaders in the field. This groundbreaking reference examines why traditional research is broken, both in theory and practice, and includes chapters on online research communities, community panels, blog mining, social networks, mobile research, e-ethnography, predictive markets, and DIY research. This handbook fills a significant learning gap for the market research profession and Ray Poynter has once again proven that he is a guiding light. The practical and pragmatic advice contained within these pages will be relevant to new students of research, young researchers and experienced researchers that want to understand the basics of online and social media research. Ray’s views on 'how to be better with people' and ‘how to maximise response rates’ are vital clues that are likely to shape the future of market and social research. —Peter Harris, National President, Australian Market and Social Research Society (AMSRS) It's hard to imagine anyone better suited to covering the rapidly changing world of online research than Ray Poynter. In this book he shows us why. Whether you are new to online or a veteran interested in broadening your understanding of the full range of techniques—quant and qual—this book is for you. —Reg Baker, President and Chief Operating Officer, Market Strategies International Finally, a comprehensive handbook for practitioners, clients, suppliers and students that includes best practices, clear explanations, advice and cautionary warnings. This should be the research benchmark for online research for some time. Poynter proves he is the online market research guru. —Cam Davis, Ph.D., former Dean and current instructor of the online market research course for the Canadian Marketing Research and Intelligence Association Ray Poynter's comprehensive, authoritative, easy to read, and knowledgeable handbook has come to our rescue ... it is a must read for anyone who needs to engage with customers or stakeholders in a creative, immediate and flexible way that makes maximum use of all the exciting, new technology now open to us. Market researchers need to know this stuff now. I can guarantee that anyone who buys the book will find it a compelling read: they will be constantly turning to the next page in order to find yet another nugget of insight from Ray’s tour de force. —Dr David Smith, Director, DVL Smith Ltd; Professor, University of Hertfordshire, Business School |
| cons of observational studies: Registries for Evaluating Patient Outcomes Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality/AHRQ, 2014-04-01 This User’s Guide is intended to support the design, implementation, analysis, interpretation, and quality evaluation of registries created to increase understanding of patient outcomes. For the purposes of this guide, a patient registry is an organized system that uses observational study methods to collect uniform data (clinical and other) to evaluate specified outcomes for a population defined by a particular disease, condition, or exposure, and that serves one or more predetermined scientific, clinical, or policy purposes. A registry database is a file (or files) derived from the registry. Although registries can serve many purposes, this guide focuses on registries created for one or more of the following purposes: to describe the natural history of disease, to determine clinical effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of health care products and services, to measure or monitor safety and harm, and/or to measure quality of care. Registries are classified according to how their populations are defined. For example, product registries include patients who have been exposed to biopharmaceutical products or medical devices. Health services registries consist of patients who have had a common procedure, clinical encounter, or hospitalization. Disease or condition registries are defined by patients having the same diagnosis, such as cystic fibrosis or heart failure. The User’s Guide was created by researchers affiliated with AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program, particularly those who participated in AHRQ’s DEcIDE (Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions About Effectiveness) program. Chapters were subject to multiple internal and external independent reviews. |
| cons of observational studies: Observation and Experiment Paul Rosenbaum, 2017-08-14 A daily glass of wine prolongs life—yet alcohol can cause life-threatening cancer. Some say raising the minimum wage will decrease inequality while others say it increases unemployment. Scientists once confidently claimed that hormone replacement therapy reduced the risk of heart disease but now they equally confidently claim it raises that risk. What should we make of this endless barrage of conflicting claims? Observation and Experiment is an introduction to causal inference by one of the field’s leading scholars. An award-winning professor at Wharton, Paul Rosenbaum explains key concepts and methods through lively examples that make abstract principles accessible. He draws his examples from clinical medicine, economics, public health, epidemiology, clinical psychology, and psychiatry to explain how randomized control trials are conceived and designed, how they differ from observational studies, and what techniques are available to mitigate their bias. “Carefully and precisely written...reflecting superb statistical understanding, all communicated with the skill of a master teacher.” —Stephen M. Stigler, author of The Seven Pillars of Statistical Wisdom “An excellent introduction...Well-written and thoughtful...from one of causal inference’s noted experts.” —Journal of the American Statistical Association “Rosenbaum is a gifted expositor...an outstanding introduction to the topic for anyone who is interested in understanding the basic ideas and approaches to causal inference.” —Psychometrika “A very valuable contribution...Highly recommended.” —International Statistical Review |
| cons of observational studies: This Is Service Design Doing Marc Stickdorn, Markus Edgar Hormess, Adam Lawrence, Jakob Schneider, 2018-01-02 How can you establish a customer-centric culture in an organization? This is the first comprehensive book on how to actually do service design to improve the quality and the interaction between service providers and customers. You'll learn specific facilitation guidelines on how to run workshops, perform all of the main service design methods, implement concepts in reality, and embed service design successfully in an organization. Great customer experience needs a common language across disciplines to break down silos within an organization. This book provides a consistent model for accomplishing this and offers hands-on descriptions of every single step, tool, and method used. You'll be able to focus on your customers and iteratively improve their experience. Move from theory to practice and build sustainable business success. |
| cons of observational studies: The Handbook of Mobile Market Research Ray Poynter, Navin Williams, Sue York, 2014-10-06 The premier guide to mobile market research The Handbook of Mobile Market Research is the first guide to focus exclusively on the use of mobile technology in market research. From a global perspective, more people own mobile phones than landlines or computers, and most people have their mobile phones with them at all times—along with their tablets, smartwatches, media players, and navigation devices. The continuous surge of mobile innovation provides unprecedented access to real-time consumer behaviour. Mobile market research allows users to reach more people, engage more people, and collect more valuable data as respondents are free to engage at their own pace, on their own time. Industry forerunners Ray Poynter, Navin Williams, and Sue York employ decades of study to examine the present and future state of mobile market research, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches. This book contains clear, comprehensive knowledge for those who implement, utilise, and study the field. Readers will learn: The characteristics, scope, and importance of mobile market research Purposes and effects of principal tools like brand tracking, ad testing, customer satisfaction research, and research technology How mobile devices are used for qualitative and quantitative research by way of online focus groups, online discussions, mobile diaries, mobile ethnographies, and mobile surveys Aspects and implications of mobile computer interviews, mobile phone interviews, mixed-mode research, international mobile research, and research using passive data, panels, lists, and communities The significance of the mobile ecosystem, market research ethics, and research on research Designed to be accessible and helpful for beginners and advanced users alike, The Handbook of Mobile Market Research is an extensive guide to one of the most promising, dynamic methods of data collection. |
| cons of observational studies: Doing Ethnographic and Observational Research Michael Angrosino, 2007-12-30 Including coverage of the selection of cases, observation and interviewing, recording data, and takes into account ethical issues, Doing Ethnographic and Observational Research introduces the reader to the practice of producing data through ethnographic fieldwork and observational research. |
| cons of observational studies: Handbook for Clinical Research Flora Hammond, MD, James F. Malec, Todd Nick, Ralph Buschbacher, MD, 2014-08-26 With over 80 information-packed chapters, Handbook for Clinical Research delivers the practical insights and expert tips necessary for successful research design, analysis, and implementation. Using clear language and an accessible bullet point format, the authors present the knowledge and expertise developed over time and traditionally shared from mentor to mentee and colleague to colleague. Organized for quick access to key topics and replete with practical examples, the book describes a variety of research designs and statistical methods and explains how to choose the best design for a particular project. Research implementation, including regulatory issues and grant writing, is also covered. The book opens with a section on the basics of research design, discussing the many ways in which studies can be organized, executed, and evaluated. The second section is devoted to statistics and explains how to choose the correct statistical approach and reviews the varieties of data types, descriptive and inferential statistics, methods for demonstrating associations, hypothesis testing and prediction, specialized methods, and considerations in epidemiological studies and measure construction. The third section covers implementation, including how to develop a grant application step by step, the project budget, and the nuts and bolts of the timely and successful completion of a research project and documentation of findings: procedural manuals and case report forms collecting, managing and securing data operational structure and ongoing monitoring and evaluation and ethical and regulatory concerns in research with human subjects. With a concise presentation of the essentials for successful research, the Handbook for Clinical Research is a valuable addition to the library of any student, research professional, or clinician interested in expanding the knowledge base of his or her field. Key Features: Delivers the essential elements, practical insights, and trade secrets for ensuring successful research design, analysis, and implementation Presents the nuts and bolts of statistical analysis Organized for quick access to a wealth of information Replete with practical examples of successful research designs Û from single case designs to meta-analysis - and how to achieve them Addresses research implementation including regulatory issues and grant writing |
| cons of observational studies: Handbook of EHealth Evaluation Francis Yin Yee Lau, Craig Kuziemsky, 2016-11 To order please visit https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/press/books/ordering/ |
| cons of observational studies: Collecting Qualitative Data Greg Guest, Emily E. Namey, Marilyn L. Mitchell, 2013 Provides a very practical and step-by-step guide to collecting and managing qualitative data, |
| cons of observational studies: OpenIntro Statistics David Diez, Christopher Barr, Mine Çetinkaya-Rundel, 2015-07-02 The OpenIntro project was founded in 2009 to improve the quality and availability of education by producing exceptional books and teaching tools that are free to use and easy to modify. We feature real data whenever possible, and files for the entire textbook are freely available at openintro.org. Visit our website, openintro.org. We provide free videos, statistical software labs, lecture slides, course management tools, and many other helpful resources. |
| cons of observational studies: Analysis of Observational Health Care Data Using SAS Douglas E. Faries, Andrew C. Leon, Josep Maria Haro, Robert L. Obenchain, 2010 This book guides researchers in performing and presenting high-quality analyses of all kinds of non-randomized studies, including analyses of observational studies, claims database analyses, assessment of registry data, survey data, pharmaco-economic data, and many more applications. The text is sufficiently detailed to provide not only general guidance, but to help the researcher through all of the standard issues that arise in such analyses. Just enough theory is included to allow the reader to understand the pros and cons of alternative approaches and when to use each method. The numerous contributors to this book illustrate, via real-world numerical examples and SAS code, appropriate implementations of alternative methods. The end result is that researchers will learn how to present high-quality and transparent analyses that will lead to fair and objective decisions from observational data. This book is part of the SAS Press program. |
| cons of observational studies: Brocklehurst's Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology E-Book Howard M. Fillit, Kenneth Rockwood, John B Young, 2016-05-06 The leading reference in the field of geriatric care, Brocklehurst's Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, 8th Edition, provides a contemporary, global perspective on topics of importance to today's gerontologists, internal medicine physicians, and family doctors. An increased focus on frailty, along with coverage of key issues in gerontology, disease-specific geriatrics, and complex syndromes specific to the elderly, makes this 8th Edition the reference you'll turn to in order to meet the unique challenges posed by this growing patient population. - Consistent discussions of clinical manifestations, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and more make reference quick and easy. - More than 250 figures, including algorithms, photographs, and tables, complement the text and help you find what you need on a given condition. - Clinical relevance of the latest scientific findings helps you easily apply the material to everyday practice. - A new chapter on frailty, plus an emphasis on frailty throughout the book, addresses the complex medical and social issues that affect care, and the specific knowledge and skills essential for meeting your patients' complex needs. - New content brings you up to date with information on gerontechnology, emergency and pre-hospital care, HIV and aging, intensive treatment of older adults, telemedicine, the built environment, and transcultural geriatrics. - New editor Professor John Young brings a fresh perspective and unique expertise to this edition. |
| cons of observational studies: Covert Research David Calvey, 2017-03-20 Undercover research is an emotive and controversial field often equated with deception and transgression. Using classic examples and contemporary case studies this book challenges covert research’s dispersed place within the social sciences and rehabilitates its reputation as a powerful research method. Drawing in part on his own undercover research into the night-time economy of bouncers, the author explores the roots and evolution of covert research; his deft treatment of the fear and fascination within furtive fieldwork is grounded in the practicality of the methods and tools needed to conduct quality research in the field. Packed with learning-by-example tips, this book shows that with critical imagination and proper ethical foundations, covert research could be a great addition to your methodological toolkit. |
| cons of observational studies: Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Fatigue, Long-Term Health, and Highway Safety National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Transportation Research Board, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Board on Human-Systems Integration, Committee on National Statistics, Panel on Research Methodologies and Statistical Approaches to Understanding Driver Fatigue Factors in Motor Carrier Safety and Driver Health, 2016-09-12 There are approximately 4,000 fatalities in crashes involving trucks and buses in the United States each year. Though estimates are wide-ranging, possibly 10 to 20 percent of these crashes might have involved fatigued drivers. The stresses associated with their particular jobs (irregular schedules, etc.) and the lifestyle that many truck and bus drivers lead, puts them at substantial risk for insufficient sleep and for developing short- and long-term health problems. Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Fatigue, Long-Term Health and Highway Safety assesses the state of knowledge about the relationship of such factors as hours of driving, hours on duty, and periods of rest to the fatigue experienced by truck and bus drivers while driving and the implications for the safe operation of their vehicles. This report evaluates the relationship of these factors to drivers' health over the longer term, and identifies improvements in data and research methods that can lead to better understanding in both areas. |
| cons of observational studies: Modern Epidemiology Kenneth J. Rothman, Sander Greenland, Timothy L. Lash, 2008 The thoroughly revised and updated Third Edition of the acclaimed Modern Epidemiology reflects both the conceptual development of this evolving science and the increasingly focal role that epidemiology plays in dealing with public health and medical problems. Coauthored by three leading epidemiologists, with sixteen additional contributors, this Third Edition is the most comprehensive and cohesive text on the principles and methods of epidemiologic research. The book covers a broad range of concepts and methods, such as basic measures of disease frequency and associations, study design, field methods, threats to validity, and assessing precision. It also covers advanced topics in data analysis such as Bayesian analysis, bias analysis, and hierarchical regression. Chapters examine specific areas of research such as disease surveillance, ecologic studies, social epidemiology, infectious disease epidemiology, genetic and molecular epidemiology, nutritional epidemiology, environmental epidemiology, reproductive epidemiology, and clinical epidemiology. |
| cons of observational studies: Comprehensive Systematic Review for Advanced Practice Nursing Cheryl Holly, EdD, RN, ANEF, FNAP, Susan Salmond, EdD, RN, FAAN, Maria Saimbert, PhD, PharmD, MSN, MLIS, RN, 2016-07-14 First Edition a 2013 Doody’s Core Title and AJN Book of the Year Award Winner! This text provides top-tier guidance for DNP students, graduate faculty, APRNs and other healthcare providers on how to use available research for improving patient outcomes and reducing costs. It is the only resource written expressly to meet the objectives of DNP courses. This second edition is completely updated and features three new approaches—umbrella reviews, mixed method reviews, and other types of reviews--for seeking, synthesizing, and interpreting available evidence to improve the delivery of patient care. The text also includes two new examples of completed systematic reviews and two completed proposals. The book presents, clearly and comprehensively, the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct a foundational comprehensive systematic review (CSR). It encompasses the complexities of the entire process, from asking clinical questions to getting the evidence into practice. The text includes question-specific methods and analysis and compares CSR methods, literature reviews, integrated reviews, and meta-studies. It describes how to find and appraise relevant studies, including the non-published “grey” literature and criteria for selecting or excluding studies, and describes how to use the results in practice. Also examined are ways to disemminate findings to benefit clinical practice and support best practices, and how to write a CSR proposal, final report and a policy brief based on systematic review findings. Plentiful examples, including two completed proposals and two completed systematic reviews, demonstrate every step of the process. An expanded resource chapter that can serve as a toolkit for conducting a systematic review is also provided. The text also covers useful software and includes objectives, summary points, end-of-chapter exercises, suggested readings and references. New to the Second Edition: • Three new chapters presenting new systematic review approaches: umbrella reviews, mixed method reviews, and other types of reviews including rapid and scoping reviews and reviews of text and opinoin • Two new examples of completed systematic reviews • Completely updated content throughout • Detailed information to foster systematic review research question development, efficient literature searches, and management of references Key Features: • Delivers the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct a CSR from start to finish • Serves as the only CSR resource written expressly for the advanced practice nurse • Describes useful software for conducting a systematic review • Provides rich examples including two completed CSRs • Includes objectives, summary points, end-of-chapter exercises, suggested readings and references • Provides a comprehensive toolkit of resources to complete a systematic review |
| cons of observational studies: Principles and Practice of Clinical Research John I. Gallin, Frederick P Ognibene, 2011-04-28 The second edition of this innovative work again provides a unique perspective on the clinical discovery process by providing input from experts within the NIH on the principles and practice of clinical research. Molecular medicine, genomics, and proteomics have opened vast opportunities for translation of basic science observations to the bedside through clinical research. As an introductory reference it gives clinical investigators in all fields an awareness of the tools required to ensure research protocols are well designed and comply with the rigorous regulatory requirements necessary to maximize the safety of research subjects. Complete with sections on the history of clinical research and ethics, copious figures and charts, and sample documents it serves as an excellent companion text for any course on clinical research and as a must-have reference for seasoned researchers.*Incorporates new chapters on Managing Conflicts of Interest in Human Subjects Research, Clinical Research from the Patient's Perspective, The Clinical Researcher and the Media, Data Management in Clinical Research, Evaluation of a Protocol Budget, Clinical Research from the Industry Perspective, and Genetics in Clinical Research *Addresses the vast opportunities for translation of basic science observations to the bedside through clinical research*Delves into data management and addresses how to collect data and use it for discovery*Contains valuable, up-to-date information on how to obtain funding from the federal government |
| cons of observational studies: Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Julian P. T. Higgins, Sally Green, 2008-11-24 Healthcare providers, consumers, researchers and policy makers are inundated with unmanageable amounts of information, including evidence from healthcare research. It has become impossible for all to have the time and resources to find, appraise and interpret this evidence and incorporate it into healthcare decisions. Cochrane Reviews respond to this challenge by identifying, appraising and synthesizing research-based evidence and presenting it in a standardized format, published in The Cochrane Library (www.thecochranelibrary.com). The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions contains methodological guidance for the preparation and maintenance of Cochrane intervention reviews. Written in a clear and accessible format, it is the essential manual for all those preparing, maintaining and reading Cochrane reviews. Many of the principles and methods described here are appropriate for systematic reviews applied to other types of research and to systematic reviews of interventions undertaken by others. It is hoped therefore that this book will be invaluable to all those who want to understand the role of systematic reviews, critically appraise published reviews or perform reviews themselves. |
| cons of observational studies: Spurious Correlations Tyler Vigen, 2015-05-12 Spurious Correlations ... is the most fun you'll ever have with graphs. -- Bustle Military intelligence analyst and Harvard Law student Tyler Vigen illustrates the golden rule that correlation does not equal causation through hilarious graphs inspired by his viral website. Is there a correlation between Nic Cage films and swimming pool accidents? What about beef consumption and people getting struck by lightning? Absolutely not. But that hasn't stopped millions of people from going to tylervigen.com and asking, Wait, what? Vigen has designed software that scours enormous data sets to find unlikely statistical correlations. He began pulling the funniest ones for his website and has since gained millions of views, hundreds of thousands of likes, and tons of media coverage. Subversive and clever, Spurious Correlations is geek humor at its finest, nailing our obsession with data and conspiracy theory. |
| cons of observational studies: Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders Fred R. Volkmar, 2016 |
| cons of observational studies: Research Methods for Cyber Security Thomas W. Edgar, David O. Manz, 2017-04-19 Research Methods for Cyber Security teaches scientific methods for generating impactful knowledge, validating theories, and adding critical rigor to the cyber security field. This book shows how to develop a research plan, beginning by starting research with a question, then offers an introduction to the broad range of useful research methods for cyber security research: observational, mathematical, experimental, and applied. Each research method chapter concludes with recommended outlines and suggested templates for submission to peer reviewed venues. This book concludes with information on cross-cutting issues within cyber security research. Cyber security research contends with numerous unique issues, such as an extremely fast environment evolution, adversarial behavior, and the merging of natural and social science phenomena. Research Methods for Cyber Security addresses these concerns and much more by teaching readers not only the process of science in the context of cyber security research, but providing assistance in execution of research as well. - Presents research methods from a cyber security science perspective - Catalyzes the rigorous research necessary to propel the cyber security field forward - Provides a guided method selection for the type of research being conducted, presented in the context of real-world usage |
| cons of observational studies: Field Trials of Health Interventions Peter G. Smith, Richard H. Morrow, David A. Ross, 2015 This is an open access title available under the terms of a CC BY-NC 4.0 International licence. It is free to read at Oxford Scholarship Online and offered as a free PDF download from OUP and selected open access locations. Before new interventions are released into disease control programmes, it is essential that they are carefully evaluated in field trials'. These may be complex and expensive undertakings, requiring the follow-up of hundreds, or thousands, of individuals, often for long periods. Descriptions of the detailed procedures and methods used in the trials that have been conducted have rarely been published. A consequence of this, individuals planning such trials have few guidelines available and little access to knowledge accumulated previously, other than their own. In this manual, practical issues in trial design and conduct are discussed fully and in sufficient detail, that Field Trials of Health Interventions may be used as a toolbox' by field investigators. It has been compiled by an international group of over 30 authors with direct experience in the design, conduct, and analysis of field trials in low and middle income countries and is based on their accumulated knowledge and experience. Available as an open access book via Oxford Medicine Online, this new edition is a comprehensive revision, incorporating the new developments that have taken place in recent years with respect to trials, including seven new chapters on subjects ranging from trial governance, and preliminary studies to pilot testing. |
Value and Challenges of Using Observational Studies in …
We illustrate these changes while also summarizing the most recent guidance and research on deciding when to include observational studies, identify-ing and selecting studies, extracting …
Lecture 6/Chapters 5&6 Observational Studies & Review
Example: Pros/Cons of Observational Study Background: Researchers want to produce evidence that cell phones can cause accidents. Questions: What are respective drawbacks of two …
Chapter 7 What are the weaknesses of observational studies?
What are the specific limitations of observational studies? Although case reports and case series may provide an early warning of drug toxicity, they also can cause “false alarms.”
Ethical issues of Observational Studies and Clinical Trials In …
Observational Studies • Cross-sectional study: all observations are made on a single occasion • Case-control study: Investigators work backwards. Chose the cases (outcome of interest) and …
Cohort Studies: Design, Analysis, and Reporting - CHEST
Cohort studies are types of observational studies in which a cohort, or a group of individuals sharing some characteristic, are followed up over time, and outcomes are measured at one or …
Pros And Cons Of Observational Studies (PDF)
review observational comparative effectiveness research protocols It explains how to 1 identify key considerations and best practices for research design 2 build a protocol based on these …
An overview of cohort study designs and their advantages …
Background: Cohort studies are analytical observational research studies which follow groups (cohorts) of subjects forward in time from an exposure to an outcome/s. Rigorous cohort studies
Field Studies Observation - csc.lsu.edu
What is a field study? Value of context? Why do we observe people? What to observe? What artifacts? spaces? How will data be recorded? What do you need to bring? 2. Identify focal …
Primer: challenges in randomized and observational studies
This Review compares RCTs and observational studies with regard to particular limitations, and explains how the credibility of results from observational studies can be improved by making...
introduction to observational studies - UPEI Projects
Since observational studies are so important to the work of epidemiologists, there is considerable literature on how best to design and implement specific study types. Here we introduce some …
Confounding in Observational Studies Explained - Bentham …
Observational studies may be vulnerable to the impact of confounding, particularly if investigators are not aware of their implications and how to identify them.
Rethinking the pros and cons of randomized controlled trials …
From Rethinking the pros and cons of randomised trials and observational studies in the era of big data and advanced methods Virtual. 24th February 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) …
Why is observational better than experimental epidemiology?
Observational vs. experimental studies • Experimental studies are ones where researchers introduce an intervention and study the effects • Observational studies are ones where …
Controlled Experiments and Observational Studies
These are examples of confounding: a difference between the treatment and control groups which affects the responses being studied. There is always a possibility of confounding in …
Pros And Cons Of Observational Studies
Pros And Cons Of Observational Studies: Developing a Protocol for Observational Comparative Effectiveness Research: A User's Guide Agency for Health Care Research and Quality …
Observational studies: practical tips for avoiding common …
First, I introduce the main observational studies, their applications, discuss study steps, biases, and use of checklist to keep track of the study aspects as well as transparent reporting. Then, I …
Observational Studies: Uses 31 and Limitations - Springer
• Common types of observational studies in clinical research include cohort, case- control, cross-sectional, and ecologic studies. • Observational studies are typically cheaper, easier, and …
Pros And Cons Of Observational Studies (2023) - dev.mabts
observational comparative effectiveness research protocols. It explains how to (1) identify key considerations and best practices for research design; (2) build a protocol based on these
Pros And Cons Of Observational Studies (2024)
Pros And Cons Of Observational Studies: Using Observations in Small-scale Research Mary Simpson,Jennifer Tuson,2003 Readers are guided through the pros and cons of using …
Challenges of Observational and Retrospective Studies
Discuss how to efficiently use retrospective observational studies to answer research questions: What are pros and cons? Use self-controls to address the potential bias caused by …
Value and Challenges of Using Observational Studies in …
We illustrate these changes while also summarizing the most recent guidance and research on deciding when to include observational studies, identify-ing and selecting studies, extracting …
Lecture 6/Chapters 5&6 Observational Studies & Review
Example: Pros/Cons of Observational Study Background: Researchers want to produce evidence that cell phones can cause accidents. Questions: What are respective drawbacks of two …
Chapter 7 What are the weaknesses of observational …
What are the specific limitations of observational studies? Although case reports and case series may provide an early warning of drug toxicity, they also can cause “false alarms.”
Ethical issues of Observational Studies and Clinical Trials …
Observational Studies • Cross-sectional study: all observations are made on a single occasion • Case-control study: Investigators work backwards. Chose the cases (outcome of interest) and …
Cohort Studies: Design, Analysis, and Reporting - CHEST
Cohort studies are types of observational studies in which a cohort, or a group of individuals sharing some characteristic, are followed up over time, and outcomes are measured at one or …
Pros And Cons Of Observational Studies (PDF)
review observational comparative effectiveness research protocols It explains how to 1 identify key considerations and best practices for research design 2 build a protocol based on these …
An overview of cohort study designs and their advantages …
Background: Cohort studies are analytical observational research studies which follow groups (cohorts) of subjects forward in time from an exposure to an outcome/s. Rigorous cohort studies
Field Studies Observation - csc.lsu.edu
What is a field study? Value of context? Why do we observe people? What to observe? What artifacts? spaces? How will data be recorded? What do you need to bring? 2. Identify focal …
Primer: challenges in randomized and observational studies
This Review compares RCTs and observational studies with regard to particular limitations, and explains how the credibility of results from observational studies can be improved by making...
introduction to observational studies - UPEI Projects
Since observational studies are so important to the work of epidemiologists, there is considerable literature on how best to design and implement specific study types. Here we introduce some …
Confounding in Observational Studies Explained - Bentham …
Observational studies may be vulnerable to the impact of confounding, particularly if investigators are not aware of their implications and how to identify them.
Rethinking the pros and cons of randomized controlled trials …
From Rethinking the pros and cons of randomised trials and observational studies in the era of big data and advanced methods Virtual. 24th February 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) …
Why is observational better than experimental epidemiology?
Observational vs. experimental studies • Experimental studies are ones where researchers introduce an intervention and study the effects • Observational studies are ones where …
Controlled Experiments and Observational Studies
These are examples of confounding: a difference between the treatment and control groups which affects the responses being studied. There is always a possibility of confounding in …
Pros And Cons Of Observational Studies
Pros And Cons Of Observational Studies: Developing a Protocol for Observational Comparative Effectiveness Research: A User's Guide Agency for Health Care Research and Quality …
Observational studies: practical tips for avoiding common …
First, I introduce the main observational studies, their applications, discuss study steps, biases, and use of checklist to keep track of the study aspects as well as transparent reporting. Then, I …
Observational Studies: Uses 31 and Limitations - Springer
• Common types of observational studies in clinical research include cohort, case- control, cross-sectional, and ecologic studies. • Observational studies are typically cheaper, easier, and …
Pros And Cons Of Observational Studies (2023) - dev.mabts
observational comparative effectiveness research protocols. It explains how to (1) identify key considerations and best practices for research design; (2) build a protocol based on these
Pros And Cons Of Observational Studies (2024)
Pros And Cons Of Observational Studies: Using Observations in Small-scale Research Mary Simpson,Jennifer Tuson,2003 Readers are guided through the pros and cons of using …
