Week 8

Question 1

What are non-randomized clinical trials?

Answer 1

Clinical trials where participants are allocated to groups without randomization.

Question 2

What are pragmatic clinical trials?

Answer 2

Trials conducted in real-world settings comparing interventions to usual care.

Question 3

Strengths of non-RCTs & pragmatic trials?

Answer 3

Feasible, ethical when randomization is impractical, real-world relevance, often less costly.

Question 4

Weaknesses of non-RCTs & pragmatic trials?

Answer 4

High risk of bias, confounding, reduced causal inference, and harder statistical control.

Question 5

How can bias in non-RCTs be addressed?

Answer 5

Matching, statistical adjustment (e.g., regression), sensitivity analysis, qualitative integration.

Question 6

What is a Delphi study?

Answer 6

A structured, multi-round survey method to build consensus among experts.

Question 7

Strengths of Delphi studies?

Answer 7

Expert input, anonymity, structure, consensus-building, reduced influence of dominant voices.

Question 8

Weaknesses of Delphi studies?

Answer 8

Time-consuming, potential bias in expert selection, ambiguous consensus, subjective.

Question 9

Key steps in a Delphi study?

Answer 9

Define question, recruit experts, develop & conduct questionnaire rounds, analyze, interpret.

Question 10

What are clinical practice guidelines (CPGs)?

Answer 10

Systematically developed recommendations for clinical decision-making based on evidence.

Question 11

Strengths of CPGs?

Answer 11

Evidence-based, promote consistent care, improve outcomes, guide decisions, resource-efficient.

Question 12

Weaknesses of CPGs?

Answer 12

May not fit all patients, need frequent updates, possible development bias, oversimplify cases.

Question 13

What’s required in good CPGs?

Answer 13

Systematic review, expert input, grading strength of recommendations, regular updates.

Question 14

What is a feasibility study?

Answer 14

A study assessing the practicality and potential success of a proposed intervention or project.

Question 15

Strengths of feasibility studies?

Answer 15

Identify risks early, improve planning, support funding decisions, increase success rates.

Question 16

Weaknesses of feasibility studies?

Answer 16

May miss risks, rely on data quality, can be subjective, resource-intensive to conduct.

Question 17

Key components of a feasibility study?

Answer 17

Technical, economic, legal, operational, and schedule feasibility.

Question 19

Strengths of surveys?

Answer 19

Cost-effective, quick, scalable, standardized, allows statistical analysis, anonymous.

Question 20

Weaknesses of surveys?

Answer 20

Low response rates, bias (e.g., recall, social desirability), poorly worded questions, superficial.

Question 21

Types of survey designs?

Answer 21

Cross-sectional, longitudinal, descriptive, analytical.

Question 23

What are interviews used for?

Answer 23

To explore participants’ experiences, beliefs, and perspectives in-depth.

Question 24

Types of interviews?

Answer 24

Structured, semi-structured, unstructured, individual, focus groups.

Question 25

Strengths of interviews?

Answer 25

Rich data, flexibility, clarification, rapport, capture of non-verbal cues.

Question 26

Weaknesses of interviews?

Answer 26

Time-intensive, subjectivity, limited generalisability, interviewer bias, social desirability.

Question 27

What’s required for effective interviews?

Answer 27

Clear guide, active listening, probing, privacy, participant consent, recording for transcription.

Question 28

What factors should you consider in the appraisal of the study types discussed?

Answer 28

Clarity of research question Methodology (e.g., control of bias/confounders) Quality of evidence and consensus process Practical applicability Transparency of reporting Statistical or qualitative analysis rigor

Question 29

Strengths and weaknesses of the study types:

Answer 29

CPGs: Strengths: evidence-based, standardizes care, improves outcomes Weaknesses: may not apply to all, need updating, risk of bias, oversimplification Feasibility studies: Strengths: risk identification, early planning, funding justification Weaknesses: subjective, limited scope, dependent on data quality Non-RCTs: Strengths: real-world setting, ethically flexible, less expensive Weaknesses: high bias/confounding, weaker causality Delphi studies: Strengths: structured, expert consensus, anonymity Weaknesses: subjective, time-intensive, consensus ambiguity

Question 30

3. What are the key components of a feasibility study?

Answer 30

Technical feasibility: resources and technology available Economic feasibility: costs vs benefit Legal feasibility: compliance and ethics Operational feasibility: fit within current system Schedule feasibility: can it be done on time?

Question 31

4. Describe the process of a Delphi study:

Answer 31

Define the question Recruit expert panel Round 1: gather initial responses Feedback: share summary Round 2+: experts revise answers Analyze consensus and patterns Report and interpret findings

Question 32

5. Strengths and weaknesses of surveys and interviews:

Answer 32

Surveys: Strengths: fast, scalable, quantitative, anonymous Weaknesses: bias, low response, lacks depth Interviews: Strengths: rich, flexible, clarifying Weaknesses: time-consuming, bias, less generalisable

Question 33

6. What should be considered in designing a survey?

Answer 33

Clear objective Representative sample Simple, unbiased wording Pilot testing Delivery method (online, in-person, etc.)

Question 34

7. What should be used for conducting effective interviews?

Answer 34

Open-ended guide Probing follow-ups Confidential setting Active listening Recording (with consent) Post-interview transcription and thematic coding