Improving Healthcare Through Clinical…

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for anyone who wants to know more about modern healthcare, and the role of clinical research and discovery within it. It will be of special interest to: students at school or college; undergraduates or postgraduates who are contemplating a career in healthcare or the life sciences; and health and social care professionals and practitioners who want to find out more about the role of clinical research in improving healthcare. This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. By completing the course you will have achieved 16 hours of CPD time. No previous knowledge is needed to take this course. You can use the hashtag #FLclinical to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

The fundamental principles of the scientific process, and their importance in ensuring that clinical research delivers accurate information and answers.
The origins of clinical trials, and how an understanding of how to conduct clinical research has developed over time.
How modern clinical trials are conducted, the importance of minimising bias, and the role of techniques such as randomisation and control, and placebos and blinding.
The impact of the digital revolution and big data on how clinical trials are conducted, and the opportunities and challenges these present.
The importance of ensuring that clinical research is ethical and the key principles that are essential to ensuring that clinical trials are set up and conducted in an ethically sound manner.
The role that respect has to play in clinical research and how we can ensure that research is carried out in a way that is respectful to participants.
How clinical research is regulated in the United Kingdom and internationally.
The importance of informed consent, the key concepts associated with gaining valid consent from research participants, and the process for gaining informed consent.
How the results of research are put into practice. How the results of research are reported and communicated to the wider world, and the importance of analysing critically media reporting of clinical research.
The ways in which clinical research is funded.
Future directions, opportunities and challenges for clinical research.

Reviews summary

Foundational clinical research concepts review

According to learners, this course offers a thorough introduction to the world of clinical research. Students consistently praise the clarity and depth of the explanations, particularly regarding foundational principles, trial design, ethics, and regulation. Many found the lectures engaging and the materials well-structured, making complex topics accessible. The course is often described as excellent for beginners or those seeking a refresher, providing a solid base of knowledge for anyone interested in the field or considering related careers. The focus on practical application and the relevance to real-world healthcare were also highlighted as significant positives.

Offers value for professional development (CPD).

"The CPD certification is a great bonus for professionals."

"Valuable for gaining CPD hours."

"Useful for documenting professional development."

"Appreciated the opportunity to earn a certificate and CPD."

Applicable to real-world healthcare research.

"The information is highly relevant to improving healthcare practices through research."

"I can see how these principles apply directly to my work."

"Provided practical insights into how research impacts healthcare."

"Relevant for anyone working in or interested in healthcare research."

Keeps learners interested throughout the modules.

"Found the lectures and readings to be very engaging and well-presented."

"The content was consistently interesting and held my attention."

"Enjoyed the way the material was delivered, making it engaging."

"The course was engaging from start to finish."

Comprehensive coverage of ethics, trials, regulation.

"The course covers all the essential topics like ethics, trial design, and regulation thoroughly."

"Liked the detailed sections on clinical trials and ethical considerations."

"Excellent coverage of the fundamentals of clinical trials and regulatory aspects."

"It really hit the key areas I needed to learn about."

Provides a solid base for understanding key principles.

"Provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of clinical research."

"I feel like I have a strong base to build upon after taking this course."

"Excellent overview of essential concepts needed for further study."

"Helped me understand the core principles underpinning research."

Ideal starting point for learning clinical research.

"This course is an excellent introduction to the field of clinical research for beginners."

"Perfect course for those with no prior knowledge looking to get started in this area."

"It gave me a good understanding of the basics before diving deeper."

"An ideal starting point for anyone new to the subject."

Explains complex topics in an accessible way.

"The course material is presented clearly and is easy to understand, even for someone new to the subject."

"Lectures are clear and concise, explaining complex research concepts effectively."

"I really appreciated how well the topics were broken down and explained simply."

"The course explains complex issues in a clear and concise way."

Career center

Learners who complete Improving Healthcare Through Clinical Research will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Improving Healthcare Through Clinical Research

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Reviews summary

Foundational clinical research concepts review

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