Some concepts in clinical research

 Description:

This course introduces participants to the fundamental concepts and essential terminologies in clinical research. Designed for those embarking on their journey in research, the course lays a solid foundation for understanding research methodologies, ensuring participants can critically analyze and interpret scientific literature. With a focus on key elements like randomization, blinding, sampling, and bias, the module equips learners with the tools to identify and mitigate common methodological pitfalls.

Eligible Audience:

• Early-career researchers in clinical or biomedical fields.
• Graduate and undergraduate students entering the field of research.
• Healthcare professionals looking to strengthen their understanding of research methods.
• Individuals interested in interpreting scientific literature or pursuing evidence-based practices.

Course Outline:

1. Introduction to Research Fundamentals

   • Definition and importance of clinical research.
   • Overview of research methodologies.

2. Key Terminologies in Research

   • Confounding: Meaning, examples, and mitigation strategies.
   • Bias: Types of bias (selection, information, etc.) and their impact.
   • Randomization: Concepts, methods, and importance in research validity.
   • Sampling: Techniques and their influence on data interpretation.
   • Blinding: Single-blind vs. double-blind studies and relevance in reducing bias.

3. Understanding Methodological Pitfalls

   • Common errors in research design and their consequences.
   • How to critically evaluate research validity.

4. Case Studies and Practical Insights

   • Real-world examples of successful and flawed research designs.
   • Group activities to apply knowledge in critiquing research papers.

Course Outcomes:

By the end of the course, participants will:

1. Define and effectively use key research terms such as confounding, bias, randomization, sampling, and blinding.
2. Identify and explain common pitfalls in research methodology and strategies to avoid them.
3. Understand the principles of blinding and randomization and their critical role in ensuring study validity.
4. Critically evaluate scientific studies with a foundational understanding of research design.

Instructor:

Dr. Nardine Zarif

• Head of the Clinical Research Department at Al-Anfoushi Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt.
• M.Sc. in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University.
• Recipient of the CSRT Scholarship from Harvard University.
• Expertise in pharmacogenomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics.