Thinking Critically: Interpreting Randomized Clinical Trials from edX

Overview

Internet 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 a variety of published studies that evaluate benefit, harm, and prognosis.

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 concepts of randomization and blinding in reducing bias.

Develop strategies to critically appraise randomized clinical trials and determine if study results are valid.

Analyze the concepts of randomization and blinding in reducing bias.
Develop strategies to critically appraise randomized clinical trials and determine if study results are valid.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches how to assess publication bias, a skill in high demand by medical professionals and researchers

Led by instructors from Stanford University School of Medicine, an institution recognized for its contributions to quality healthcare

Offers continuing education credits, indicating its alignment with professional development needs

Prerequisites are implied but not explicitly stated, which may pose challenges for learners with varying backgrounds

Reviews summary

Thinking critically: trials course

Learners say they are pleased with this course on interpreting randomized clinical trials. They describe it as informative, easy to understand, and engaging. One learner says it's perfect for beginners as well as students who are interested in research.

Can be used as a refresher for those already familiar with the subject.

"This could either be a concise introduction to analyzing randomized clinical trials (RCTs), or a short review for those looking for a refresher on the topic."

Provides a solid foundation in the subject matter.

"A very informative and engaging course."

"Easy to understand and builds up the knowledge."

Suitable for learners with little to no knowledge of the subject.

"A very good free course for beginners."

"This could either be a concise introduction to analyzing randomized clinical trials (RCTs), or a short review for those looking for a refresher on the topic."

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: Interpreting Randomized Clinical Trials with these activities:

Explore online resources for critical appraisal

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Seek out and utilize online tutorials and resources to supplement your understanding of critical appraisal principles, expanding your knowledge base.

Browse courses on Critical Appraisal

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Identify reputable websites and organizations that provide guidance on critical appraisal.
Follow online tutorials and complete interactive exercises.
Utilize online forums and discussion boards to engage with experts and peers.

Review basic statistical concepts related to clinical research

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Refresh foundational statistical knowledge to enhance comprehension of course material.

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Review concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics
Practice interpreting statistical results

Review basic statistics

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Review the basics of statistics, including descriptive statistics, probability, and hypothesis testing, to strengthen your foundation for the course.

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Identify and summarize the key concepts of descriptive statistics, such as mean, median, and standard deviation.
Explain the fundamental principles of probability, including conditional probability and Bayes' theorem.
Describe the different types of hypothesis tests and their applications.

11 other activities

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Review 'Clinical Epidemiology: Principles and Methods' by Thomas R. Frieden

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Review concepts of clinical epidemiology for a foundation for evaluating clinical research.

View Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine:... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first chapter
Summarize key concepts of clinical epidemiology
Identify strengths and weaknesses of different study designs

Create a summary table of different research study designs and their strengths and weaknesses

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Enhance understanding and retention of various research study designs through active organization.

Browse courses on Research Methods

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Review materials on different research study designs
Create a table summarizing key information

Explore online tutorials on randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews.

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Supplement course material by exploring in-depth tutorials on specific research methodologies.

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Identify reputable online resources
Follow tutorials on randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews

Practice using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE) II tool.

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Improve the ability to evaluate clinical guidelines using the AGREE II tool.

Browse courses on Research Evaluation

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Review AGREE II criteria
Practice using AGREE II to evaluate a clinical guideline

Complete five randomized trials to evaluate benefit

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Randomized trials are used to determine if an intervention has an effect on a population. By completing five of these, you will strengthen your ability to evaluate these types of trials.

Browse courses on Critical Appraisal

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Identify a research question.
Design a randomized trial to answer the question.
Conduct the trial.
Analyze the results.
Write a report of the findings.

Practice evaluating clinical trials

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Engage in practice exercises to develop your skills in critically evaluating clinical trials, ensuring you can effectively assess the validity and reliability of research findings.

Browse courses on Clinical Trials

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Identify the different types of clinical trials and their designs.
Evaluate the quality of clinical trials using established criteria, such as the CONSORT statement.
Assess the validity of results by examining potential biases and limitations.

Create a Journal Club for evaluating the validity of a research article.

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Develop critical appraisal skills by independently evaluating a research article.

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Select a research article of interest
Develop evaluation criteria based on principles of critical appraisal
Present findings to peers for discussion

Participate in group discussions

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Engage in discussions with peers to share and exchange perspectives on critical appraisal skills, enriching your understanding and gaining valuable feedback.

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Join online forums or discussion groups related to research methodology.
Actively participate in discussions, posing questions and sharing insights.
Provide constructive feedback to others' critical appraisals.

Organize a group discussion on the ethical implications of clinical research participation

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Foster understanding of ethical considerations in clinical research and informed consent.

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Identify key ethical issues related to clinical research participation
Facilitate a discussion among peers
Summarize key points and ethical principles

Develop a critical appraisal summary

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Create a comprehensive critical appraisal summary of a published clinical trial, demonstrating your ability to synthesize and evaluate research findings.

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Select a clinical trial relevant to your field of interest.
Critically evaluate the trial using recognized appraisal tools.
Summarize the key findings, strengths, and limitations of the trial.

Conduct a mini-research project

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Embark on a research project to apply critical appraisal skills in a practical setting, reinforcing your understanding and fostering independent inquiry.

Browse courses on Research Methodology

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Identify a research question or hypothesis.
Design a study protocol and conduct a literature review.
Collect and analyze data using appropriate statistical methods.
Write a research report and present your findings.

Career center

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

Biostatistician

A Biostatistician applies statistical methods to problems in biology, medicine, and public health. They design and conduct studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. This course can help Biostatisticians develop the critical appraisal skills necessary to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials, which are commonly used in medical research. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Biostatisticians can better assess the quality of studies and make more informed decisions about the results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist investigates the causes of disease and other health problems in populations. They design and conduct studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. This course can help Epidemiologists develop the critical appraisal skills necessary to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials, which are commonly used in medical research. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Epidemiologists can better assess the quality of studies and make more informed decisions about the results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

A Regulatory Affairs Specialist ensures that medical products, such as drugs and devices, meet regulatory requirements. They work with government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that products are safe and effective. This course can help Regulatory Affairs Specialists develop the critical appraisal skills necessary to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials, which are commonly used to support regulatory submissions. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Regulatory Affairs Specialists can better assess the quality of studies and make more informed decisions about the regulatory status of products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data. They work in a variety of fields, including medicine, business, and government. This course can help Statisticians develop the critical appraisal skills necessary to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials, which are commonly used in medical research. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Statisticians can better assess the quality of studies and make more informed decisions about the interpretation of data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Physician Assistant

A Physician Assistant is a healthcare professional who provides medical care under the supervision of a physician. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories, performing physical exams, and providing treatment. This course can help Physician Assistants develop the critical appraisal skills necessary to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials, which are commonly used in medical research. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Physician Assistants can better assess the quality of studies and make more informed decisions about the care they provide to patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Science Writer

A Science Writer creates and edits written materials about scientific and technical topics. They may write for a variety of audiences, including scientists, engineers, and the general public. This course can help Science Writers develop the critical appraisal skills necessary to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials, which are commonly used in medical research. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Science Writers can better assess the quality of studies and write more accurate and informative materials.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts scientific research in a variety of fields, including medicine, biology, and public health. They design and conduct studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. This course can help Research Scientists develop the critical appraisal skills necessary to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials, which are commonly used in medical research. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Research Scientists can better assess the quality of studies and make more informed decisions about the direction of their research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Medical Writer

A Medical Writer creates and edits written materials about medical and health-related topics. They may write for a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This course can help Medical Writers develop the critical appraisal skills necessary to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials, which are commonly used in medical research. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Medical Writers can better assess the quality of studies and write more accurate and informative materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Pharmacist

A Pharmacist dispenses medications and provides information about their use. They may work in pharmacies, hospitals, or other healthcare settings. This course may be useful for Pharmacists who need to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Pharmacists can better assess the quality of studies and make more informed decisions about the medications they dispense.

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Nurse Practitioner

A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse who has advanced training and can provide a wide range of healthcare services. This course may be useful for Nurse Practitioners who need to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Nurse Practitioners can better assess the quality of studies and make more informed decisions about the care they provide to patients.

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Health Policy Analyst

A Health Policy Analyst researches and analyzes health policy issues. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts who need to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Health Policy Analysts can better assess the quality of studies and make more informed decisions about policy recommendations.

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Clinical Research Coordinator

A Clinical Research Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of clinical trials. They work with investigators, sponsors, and other stakeholders to ensure that trials are conducted according to protocol. This course can help Clinical Research Coordinators develop the critical appraisal skills necessary to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Clinical Research Coordinators can better assess the quality of studies and ensure that trials are conducted in a rigorous and ethical manner.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make informed decisions. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who work in the healthcare industry and need to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Data Analysts can better assess the quality of studies and make more informed decisions about the interpretation of data.

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Public Health Educator

A Public Health Educator develops and implements educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be useful for Public Health Educators who need to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Public Health Educators can better assess the quality of studies and make more informed decisions about the programs they develop and implement.

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Medical Librarian

A Medical Librarian provides information services to healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients. They may work in hospitals, universities, or other healthcare settings. This course may be useful for Medical Librarians who need to evaluate the validity of randomized clinical trials. By understanding the concepts of randomization and blinding, Medical Librarians can better assess the quality of studies and provide more informed guidance to their patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Librarian