Understanding Clinical Trial Design - Research Advocacy Network

UNDERSTANDING CLINICAL TRIAL DESIGN: A TUTORIAL FOR RESEARCH ADVOCATES
V. Conclusions
This tutorial was developed to provide research advocates with a basic understanding
of the scientific method and two alternative inferential processes used to establish
evidence-based clinical practice from clinical trials. Given this understanding,
research advocates should be able to contribute to this process. While not experts
in science, statistics nor trial design, research advocates have a unique contribution
to make because they focus on the whole patient experience, have a sense of
urgency about making progress, and are not afraid to ask naïve questions. Finally,
the tutorial described a paradigm shift (Figure 11) that is underway in clinical
trials. Research advocates are encouraged to become more knowledgeable by asking
questions and continuing to read about these topics. The recommended
reading list that follows should assist in this endeavor.
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