w20&21 research and epidemiology 1&2 Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the primary aim of healthcare research in optometry?
To evaluate practice, develop new treatments, and provide the best care to patients.
Why is reliable data essential for optometrists?
It helps optometrists make informed treatment decisions, develop new models for eye disease prevention, and eradicate preventable sight loss.
What are the key types of research study designs in healthcare?
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and meta-analyses.
What does the hierarchical classification of research study designs refer to?
The ranking of research study types based on the strength and quality of evidence they provide.
Why is research important for healthcare professionals?
It helps evaluate and improve clinical practices, aids in developing new treatments, and ensures the delivery of evidence-based care.
How does research contribute to the expansion of optometry?
t provides reliable data to base treatment decisions on, drives the development of new models for eye disease prevention, and reduces preventable sight loss.
What was the historical medical view of disease in the time of Hippocrates and Galen?
Disease was believed to result from an imbalance of humors, and treatments like bloodletting were used to restore balance.
What is the significance of meta-analyses in healthcare research?
Meta-analyses combine data from multiple studies to provide a more reliable and comprehensive conclusion on a research question.
What is clinical research?
Clinical research is the systematic collection of data from human participants to generate general findings. It aims to advance scientific knowledge, not provide individual benefits.
Why is ethical approval necessary for clinical research?
Ethical approval ensures that research involving human participants meets ethical standards, protects participants’ rights, and minimises risks.
What ethical principles are key in clinical research?
Voluntary consent: Participants must consent willingly with sufficient knowledge.
Beneficence: Maximising benefits while minimising harm.
Justice: Fair distribution of the burdens and benefits of research.
What are some landmark ethical documents in clinical research?
Nuremberg Code: Established voluntary consent and protection from harm.
Declaration of Helsinki: Expanded ethical principles to include proxy consent and ethical review committees.
Belmont Report: Focuses on respect for persons, beneficence, and justice in clinical trials.
What is required before starting a clinical research project?
The project must be reviewed by a Research Ethics Committee (REC), have a participant information sheet (PIS), and an informed consent form signed by the participant.
How should participant information be provided in clinical research?
The information must be clear, written in plain language, and free of technical jargon. Participants should have the opportunity to ask questions before giving consent.
What are key ocular pathologies?
Myopia: Rising prevalence globally, linked to genetics and lifestyle factors.
Cataracts: A leading cause of vision loss, especially in older adults.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A major cause of irreversible vision loss, particularly in the elderly.
Glaucoma: A group of optic neuropathies leading to irreversible vision loss if untreated.
What are the main risk factors for myopia?
Risk factors include early onset, parental myopia, ethnicity (higher in East Asians), and lack of outdoor time.
What is the global trend in myopia prevalence?
Myopia prevalence has risen dramatically, and by 2050, 50% of the global population is expected to be myopic.
What are the risk factors for cataract development?
Risk factors include age, genetics, female sex, systemic diseases, and other ocular conditions.
How does age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progress?
AMD progresses from early (small drusen) to intermediate (larger drusen) to advanced stages (geographic atrophy or neovascular AMD), leading to significant vision loss.
What is the global impact of glaucoma?
Glaucoma affects approximately 69 million people worldwide, with a strong genetic component and higher risk in certain ethnic groups, particularly Africans.
primary objectives of peer review in research??
To assess the originality and significance of the research contribution.
To ensure the scientific validity and soundness of research findings.
To identify potential ethical concerns and methodological problems.
To improve the clarity, organisation, and communication of the research
what is classified as research??
cross-sectional studied
cohort studies
randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
surveys
disadvantages of the research study design: randomised control trial (RCTs)
high cost, sometimes problems with generalisability of results, participants may be lost to follow up
Explain the difference between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and give an example of 1 modifiable and 1 non-modifiable risk factor for dry age-related macular degeneration
Modifiable risk factors can be altered by behavioural or lifestyle changes, whereas non-
modifiable cannot be altered by the individual
modifiable risk factors: smoking, obesity, diet low in omega 3 and 6 or carotenoids, lack of exercise
non-modifiable risk factors: family history, N European ancestry
