Course description
Clinical Epidemiology
This is an intermediate to advanced level unit that focuses on the critical appraisal of the scientific research evidence that underpins clinical practice and healthcare decision making. It draws on the principles of evidence based practice and covers the design, conduct and analysis of randomised, controlled clinical trials, quasi-experimental trials, meta-analysis, systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines and their application in the evaluation of therapy and other health service innovations. These principles are also discussed in respect to the development of clinical practice guidelines; the study of the adverse effects of therapy; the health consumer perspective; ethical issues in clinical research; the study of the validity and performance of diagnostic tests; the use of decision analysis and economic analysis in the formulation of clinical policy; and the utility of non-experimental study designs in evaluating clinical outcomes.
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Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Prerequisites:Nil
Outcome / Qualification etc.
Credit :6 points
Students are able to
- describe the discipline of clinical epidemiology and evidence-based practice;
- develop information searching skills relevant to evidence-based practice;
- evaluate the design, strengths and weaknesses of randomised controlled trials (RCT), systematic reviews and non-experimental clinical research study designs;
- explain statistical issues in the design and analysis of RCTs;
- critically appraise evidence-based clinical research literature;
- evaluate the ethical issues associated with clinical research;
- critically review clinical practice guidelines; and
- discuss the barriers and enablers when attempting to implement changes to clinical practice.