Lecture 8 Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is a non-randomized or pragmatic clinical trial?
A study comparing interventions without random assignment, often in real-world settings.
Strengths of non-RCTs/pragmatic trials?
Feasible and ethical when randomization isn’t possible
Reflects real-world practice (external validity)
More efficient and less costly
Useful for implementation studies
Weaknesses of non-RCTs/pragmatic trials?
Higher selection bias
Greater risk of confounding
Causality harder to establish
Statistical analysis more complex
How can weaknesses be addressed?
Matching groups
Statistical adjustments (e.g. regression)
Sensitivity analysis
Including qualitative data
What is “best practice” in healthcare?
An agreed-upon standard that integrates evidence, clinical experience, and patient values.
What is a Delphi study?
A structured method of gathering expert opinions anonymously over multiple rounds to achieve consensus.
Strengths of Delphi studies?
Expert input
Anonymity reduces bias
Structured consensus-building
Flexible across many topics
Supports policy/guideline development
Weaknesses of Delphi studies?
Relies on subjective opinions
Time-consuming
May be unclear if true consensus is achieved
Influenced by panel composition and response rates
What should be critically appraised in Delphi studies?
Expert panel quality
Questionnaire clarity
Rounds completed
Consensus definition
Transparent reporting
What are clinical practice guidelines?
Evidence-based recommendations to assist clinical decision-making for specific conditions.
Strengths of CPGs?
Improve care quality
Standardize practice
Support decision-making
Resource-efficient
Include expert consensus
Weaknesses of CPGs?
May not suit all patients
Implementation can be difficult
Risk of being outdated
May oversimplify complex issues
Possible development bias
How should CPGs be applied in practice?
Use for shared decision-making
Adapt to individual patient needs
Stay updated through continuous education
What is a feasibility study?
An early-phase assessment of whether a project/intervention is practical and viable.
Strengths of feasibility studies?
Identify risks early
Improve planning
Avoid resource waste
Build stakeholder confidence
Support funding applications
Weaknesses of feasibility studies?
May miss hidden risks
Results depend on quality of data
Some subjectivity in interpretation
Require time and resources
Key components of a feasibility study?
Technical
Economic
Legal
Operational
Schedule feasibility
What is a survey?
A structured tool for collecting self-reported data from a sample of individuals.
Strengths of surveys?
Quick, cost-effective for large groups
Standardized format
Can be anonymous
Can yield both quantitative and qualitative data
Weaknesses of surveys?
Response bias and low return rates
Limited depth
Sampling errors
Poorly worded questions can distort results
Types of surveys?
Cross-sectional
Longitudinal
Descriptive
Analytical
What is an interview in research?
A qualitative method using conversation to explore participant experiences and perspectives.
Strengths of interviews?
Rich, detailed insights
Flexible and exploratory
Build rapport
Allow probing and clarification
Capture non-verbal cues
Weaknesses of interviews?
Time-intensive
Subject to interviewer and interpretation bias
Not generalizable
Social desirability bias
