Block 4

Question 1

Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine (EBVM)

Answer 1

The use of best available scientific evidence, in conjunction with clinical expertise and consideration of owner and patient factors, to make the best clinical decisions for patients.

Question 2

Study design

Answer 2

Framework or set of methods and procedures used to collect and analyze data on variables specified in a particular research problem.
Determined by the nature of question, the goal of research, and the availibility of resources

Question 3

Descriptive study (non-analytical)

Answer 3

Describe the data on one or more characteristics of a group of individuals or more variables

Question 4

Analytical study

Answer 4

Attempt to test a hypothesis and establish causal relationships between variables.
Assessment of the effect of an exposure (or intervention) on an outcome.
Can be observational or interventional.

Question 5

Observational study

Answer 5

Observe information without intervention (on variables).
Exposure has already ben decided naturally or by some other factor.

Question 6

Experimental study

Answer 6

Actively performs an intervention in some of all members of a group of participants. Measure difference with intervention, control one or more variables.

Question 7

Hierarchy of studies

Answer 7

Randomized > Not randomized
Triple blinded > double blinded > blinded < non blinded

Question 8

Prospective study

Answer 8

The outcome has not occurred when the study starts. Follow a cohort over a period of time to determine the occurence of outcomes.

Question 9

Retrospective study

Answer 9

The outcome of interest has already occurred (or not occurred eg in controls) in each individual by the time is enrolled. Consult data from the past. No follow-up of a cohort.

Question 10

Cross-sectional study

Answer 10

Type of observational study design. Measures the outcome and the exposures in the study participants at the same time. Individuals are selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria set for the study

Question 11

Longitudinal study

Answer 11

Type of observational study design. Continuous or repeated measures to follow particular individuals over prolonged periods of time. Repeated observations.

Question 12

Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

Answer 12

• Used to assess a treatment or intervention
• Treatment group vs control group
• Individuals are randomly allocated
• Prospective
• Experimental

Question 13

Cohort Study

Answer 13

• Study population
• Exposed and unexposed groups are followed over a period of time
• Usually prospective
• Observational

Question 14

Case-controlled study

Answer 14

• Study population
• Animals with the disease (cases) and without the disease (controls) of interest
• The animals’ histories are examined to identify risk factors for the disease
• Retrospective
• Observational

Question 15

Cross-sectional study

Answer 15

• Study population
• Single point in study time
• Prevalence of diseases

Question 16

Case studies

Answer 16

Description of the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a group of animals with the same disease. No disease free case series animals for comparison. Any differences in management are not randomly allocated.
Case series: multiple cases
Case report: one case
Observational

Question 17

What does ‘PICO’ stand for

Answer 17

Patient: population and/or problem
Intervention: treatment, prognostic factor or exposure
Comparator: Comparison or control
Outcome

Question 18

Grey literature

Answer 18

Research material that is not formally published within the conventional, commercial publishing channels