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- Title
Types of study in medical research: part 3 of a series on evaluation of scientific publications.
- Authors
Röhrig B; du Prel J; Wachtlin D; Blettner M
- Abstract
Background: The choice of study type is an important aspect of the design of medical studies. The study design and consequent study type are major determinants of a study's scientific quality and clinical value. Methods: This article describes the structured classification of studies into two types, primary and secondary, as well as a further subclassification of studies of primary type. This is done on the basis of a selective literature search concerning study types in medical research, in addition to the authors' own experience. Results: Three main areas of medical research can be distinguished by study type: basic (experimental), clinical, and epidemiological research. Furthermore, clinical and epidemiological studies can be further subclassified as either interventional or noninterventional. Conclusions: The study type that can best answer the particular research question at hand must be determined not only on a purely scientific basis, but also in view of the available financial resources, staffing, and practical feasibility (organization, medical prerequisites, number of patients, etc.).
- Publication
Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 2009, Vol 106, Issue 15, p262
- ISSN
1866-0452
- Publication type
Journal Article