Clinical trials

Question 1

Describe RCTs

Answer 1

strongest evidence
random allocation of tx and control group
need 1 aim
blind (who?)
ethical issues (?)

Question 2

Describe Cohort/longitudinal w/ control

Answer 2

get population, categorise on exposure to suspected risk factor then can see prev of disease after this
expensive
long term
not for rare disease

Question 3

Describe case control

Answer 3

classified wrt disease
compared wrt exposure to risk factors previously
matching can reduce bias; difficult tho
good for rare disease

Question 4

Describe cross sectional with control

Answer 4

considers one moment in time
prevalence and risk factors - associations can be seen. weak tho
can’t ID which happened first
retro and prospective

Question 5

Describe case series wo control

Answer 5

provide general info on diseas
good if new emerging disease
no evidence of causation or efficacy of tx!

Question 6

Describe case study wo control

Answer 6

provide general info on diseas
good if new emerging disease
no evidence of causation or efficacy of tx!