EBM / EBP: The Basics - Study Design and Randomized Controlled Trials

 

This course is designed to give learners an introduction to evidence based practice through an understanding of basic study designs and validity issues related to reducing bias in randomized controlled trials. The course will focus on: understanding the basic study designs in medicine (case-control, cohort, randomized controlled clinical trial, systematic review, and Meta analysis); understanding the criteria for determining internal validity of therapy studies; understanding how the results are reported; and understanding how this information can help enhance library services. After completing this course, learners will be better able to: identify appropriate study designs; identify validity criteria for a RCT; and help support evidence-based medicine within their own institutions. Teaching methods will include discussion, case studies, group exercises, and practice in appraising articles.

Resource URL: https://sites.google.com/site/ebmcecourses/

Learning Objectives

After attending this course, students will be able to:

(1) identify the key characteristics and pros and cons of the major study designs in medicine (case-control, cohort, randomized controlled clinical trial, systematic review, and Meta analysis

(2) use study design as part of a search strategy

(3) Identify the key validity criteria for therapy

(4) Understand the terminology used to report the results of RCTs

(5) Identify ways to incorporate this information into library practice

Agenda

Introductions, student goals, course objectives 15 min
Basics of study design [slides and discussion] 45 min
Study design exercise [group case study exercise] 30 min
Break 15 min
Validity criteria for therapy study [discussion; practice appraising an article] ] 60 min
Understanding the results of therapy study [practice appraising an article] 45 min
EBP and Library Services and Wrap-up [discussion] 30 min

Facility Requirements

Classroom, laptop, LCD projector, and flipchart.