Thinking Critically Series: Interpreting Screening Trials from edX

Overview

Enduring Material Sponsored by the Stanford University School of Medicine. Presented by the Department of Health Research and Policy (Division of Epidemiology) at Stanford University School of Medicine.

This course seeks to fulfill the clinical community’s need to improve skills in the critical evaluation of clinical research papers. Competency in critical appraisal skills can have a significant impact by improving clinical practice, quality of research projects, and peer-review of manuscripts and grants. The course will utilize efficient and engaging videos with relevant clinical examples to cover essential research methodology principles.

The online format will provide opportunities for self-paced learning and practicing critical appraisal of published studies that evaluate screening efficacy. This applies to all specialties in various settings of practice.

Intended Audience

This course is designed for physicians, medical researchers, residents, fellows, allied health providers, including nurses and physician assistants, across all specialty areas.

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Stanford Medicine 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.

Credit DesignationAmerican Medical Association (AMA)

The Stanford University School of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

If you would like to earn CME credit from Stanford University School of Medicine for participating in this course, please review the information here prior to beginning the activity.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Analyze the key design features of screening studies.

Develop strategies to critically appraise screening studies and determine if study results are valid.

Analyze the key design features of screening studies.
Develop strategies to critically appraise screening studies and determine if study results are valid.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a deep understanding of epidemiological principles for evaluating screening efficacy

Led by instructors from renowned Stanford University School of Medicine

Covers core research methodology principles for appraising screening studies

Engaging video content and relevant clinical examples enhance learning

Offers CME credit for physicians, enhancing professional development

Self-paced learning format provides flexibility for busy healthcare professionals

Reviews summary

Solid intro to screening trials

According to students, this course provides a solid introduction to screening trials with engaging coursework and knowledgeable instructors.

Students praise the quality of the course.

"I find this course a good refresher in understanding the essentials of conducting and analyzing screening trials."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Thinking Critically Series: Interpreting Screening Trials with these activities:

Review Study Design Basics

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Review the fundamentals of study design to strengthen your understanding of the concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on Study Design

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Read and understand an overview of study design principles.
Review different types of study designs commonly used in research.
Analyze examples of research papers that utilize different study designs.

Review basic principles of epidemiology

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Start by refreshing your understanding of the fundamental concepts of epidemiology to prepare for this course and build a stronger foundation.

Browse courses on Epidemiology

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Review definitions and concepts of epidemiology
Identify different types of epidemiological studies

Review 'Clinical Epidemiology: A Basic Science for Clinical Medicine'

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This book is a great resource to expand your knowledge on clinical research methods. It will provide you with a solid foundation for understanding the concepts covered in this course.

View Introduction to Epidemiology on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first chapter.
Define clinical epidemiology and discuss its importance in clinical practice.
Describe the different types of clinical research studies.
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of observational studies.
Critically appraise a journal article on a clinical research study.

Three other activities

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Form a Study Group for Critical Appraisal Practice

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Engage in collaborative learning and enhance your critical appraisal skills by discussing and evaluating research findings together.

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Identify interested peers or classmates who are also taking the course.
Schedule regular meetings to discuss assigned research papers or case studies.
Present individual perspectives on the study's design, methods, and conclusions.
Engage in constructive discussions to identify strengths and weaknesses in the research.

Practice Clinical Trials Design with Online Tools

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Improve your understanding of the key features of screening studies and develop strategies to critically appraise their results.

Browse courses on Clinical Trial Design

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Enroll in an online course or platform that provides interactive simulations and exercises on clinical trials design.
Complete the modules and assignments on study design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
Apply the concepts learned to real-world scenarios by designing and analyzing mock clinical trials.

Develop a Case Study on Screening Study Evaluation

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Strengthen your skills in critically evaluating published studies evaluating screening efficacy.

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Select a published screening study that aligns with your interests or area of practice.
Critically appraise the study using the principles covered in the course.
Create a case study presentation that outlines the study design, strengths, limitations, and implications.

Career center

Learners who complete Thinking Critically Series: Interpreting Screening Trials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Clinical Research Associate

Clinical Research Associates manage clinical trials, ensuring that they are conducted according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. This course can help Clinical Research Associates develop a strong understanding of clinical research methodology and improve their ability to design, conduct, and monitor clinical trials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Associate

Clinical Trial Manager

Clinical Trial Managers oversee the operational aspects of clinical trials. This course can provide Clinical Trial Managers with a strong foundation in clinical research methodology, which is essential for managing clinical trials effectively and ensuring that they are conducted according to GCP guidelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Trial Manager

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course can provide Statisticians with a strong foundation in research methodology, which is essential for designing and conducting statistical studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to data in the fields of biology, medicine, and public health. This course can enhance the skills of Biostatisticians by providing them with a deeper understanding of research methodology and enabling them to analyze and interpret data more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course can provide Data Analysts with a strong foundation in research methodology, which is essential for designing and conducting data analysis projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Public Health Analyst

Public Health Analysts collect and analyze data to identify and address public health issues. This course can provide Public Health Analysts with a strong foundation in research methodology, which is essential for designing and conducting public health studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Analyst

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Regulatory Affairs Specialists ensure that products and services comply with government regulations. This course can help Regulatory Affairs Specialists develop a strong understanding of research methodology, which is essential for evaluating the safety and efficacy of products and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of health and disease in populations. This course can provide Epidemiologists with a strong foundation in research methodology, which is essential for designing and conducting epidemiological studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Medical Science Liaison

Medical Science Liaisons provide scientific and medical information to healthcare professionals about specific products or therapies. This course can enhance the skills of Medical Science Liaisons by enabling them to critically evaluate clinical research studies and communicate complex medical information more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Science Liaison

Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Managers ensure that products and services meet quality standards. This course may be useful for Quality Assurance Managers as it enhances their understanding of research methodology and enables them to evaluate the quality of research studies more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Manager

Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants advise healthcare organizations on a variety of issues, including strategic planning, operational efficiency, and financial management. This course may be useful for Healthcare Consultants as it provides them with a better understanding of research methodology, which can help them evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare interventions and make more informed recommendations to their clients.

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Medical Writer

Medical Writers create and edit written materials about medical or health-related topics. This course can help Medical Writers become more effective in their role by enhancing their understanding of research methodology and enabling them to communicate complex medical information more clearly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Health Economist

Health Economists apply economic principles to healthcare issues. This course may be useful for Health Economists as it enhances their understanding of research methodology and enables them to evaluate the economic impact of healthcare interventions more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Economist

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk and uncertainty. This course may be useful for Actuaries as it enhances their understanding of research methodology and enables them to evaluate the risk and uncertainty associated with different scenarios more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Research Scientist

Research Scientists plan and conduct scientific research to develop new knowledge and contribute to a specific field. This course may be useful for Research Scientists as it enhances their ability to critically evaluate clinical research papers, which can help them design better research studies and interpret results more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist