Thinking Critically: Interpreting Randomized Clinical Trials

Course Overview

Stanford University School of Medicine's Department of Health Research and Policy (Division of Epidemiology) is offering an Internet Enduring Material course titled "Thinking Critically: Interpreting Randomized Clinical Trials". This course is designed to help the clinical community improve their skills in the critical evaluation of clinical research papers. Through efficient and engaging videos with relevant clinical examples, participants will learn essential research methodology principles and have the opportunity to practice critical appraisal of a variety of published studies that evaluate benefit, harm, and prognosis.

This course is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. Physicians who complete the course may be eligible to receive up to 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

[Applications]
Participants who complete this course will be able to apply the knowledge gained to critically evaluate randomized clinical trials. They will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the study design, assess the validity of the results, and interpret the implications of the findings for clinical practice. Additionally, participants will be able to apply the principles of critical appraisal to their own research projects and peer-review of manuscripts and grants.

[Career Paths]
1. Clinical Research Coordinator: Clinical research coordinators are responsible for managing and coordinating clinical trials. They are responsible for recruiting and enrolling participants, collecting and managing data, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They also provide support to the research team and help to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data. As the demand for clinical trials increases, the need for qualified clinical research coordinators is expected to grow.

2. Clinical Research Associate: Clinical research associates are responsible for monitoring clinical trials and ensuring that they are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations and guidelines. They are responsible for ensuring that the data collected is accurate and complete, and that the trial is conducted in a safe and ethical manner. As the demand for clinical trials increases, the need for qualified clinical research associates is expected to grow.

3. Clinical Data Analyst: Clinical data analysts are responsible for analyzing and interpreting clinical data. They are responsible for developing and implementing data analysis plans, and for ensuring that the data is accurate and complete. As the demand for clinical trials increases, the need for qualified clinical data analysts is expected to grow.

4. Clinical Trial Manager: Clinical trial managers are responsible for managing the overall operations of a clinical trial. They are responsible for developing and implementing trial protocols, managing budgets, and ensuring that the trial is conducted in a safe and ethical manner. As the demand for clinical trials increases, the need for qualified clinical trial managers is expected to grow.

[Education Paths]
1. Bachelor's Degree in Health Research and Policy: A Bachelor's Degree in Health Research and Policy provides students with the skills and knowledge to understand the complexities of health research and policy. Students will learn about the principles of epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, and health policy. They will also gain an understanding of the ethical and legal issues related to health research and policy. This degree is becoming increasingly popular as the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve.

2. Master's Degree in Clinical Research: A Master's Degree in Clinical Research provides students with the skills and knowledge to design, conduct, and analyze clinical trials. Students will learn about the principles of clinical research, including study design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation. They will also gain an understanding of the ethical and legal issues related to clinical research. This degree is becoming increasingly popular as the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve.

3. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Research and Policy: A PhD in Health Research and Policy provides students with the skills and knowledge to conduct research and develop policy in the field of health. Students will learn about the principles of epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, and health policy. They will also gain an understanding of the ethical and legal issues related to health research and policy. This degree is becoming increasingly popular as the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve.

4. Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Clinical Research: A DrPH in Clinical Research provides students with the skills and knowledge to design, conduct, and analyze clinical trials. Students will learn about the principles of clinical research, including study design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation. They will also gain an understanding of the ethical and legal issues related to clinical research. This degree is becoming increasingly popular as the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve.