Analyses of Clinical Trials, Interpretation and Communication of Trial Findings

Overview

This short course is available as an optional module on the PGCert when taken alongside the following modules. Either:

• Rationale for Clinical Trials, Key Concepts and Features
• Selection, Collection and Reporting of Trial Outcomes
• Early Phase Clinical Trials

Or:

• Rationale for Clinical Trials, Key Concepts and Features
• Design and Delivery of Further Clinical Trials

It can also be taken on a stand-alone basis.

Content

This short course focusses on the final stages of a trial, after patients have been recruited and treated and outcome data collected.  The course provides an overview of how statistical methods are used to reach conclusions from a trial’s data, drawing examples from a variety of clinical areas, types of data and analysis methods. The focus is on understanding the principles and correct interpretation of analyses, and appropriate presentation of results, rather than the implementation of statistical methods.  A range of problems arising in the analysis of trials will be covered, including missing data, non-compliance and interaction effects, and the impact of such problems on the interpretation of results will be considered.  The course will also focus on problems in the interpretation of traditional trials, and some potential solutions.  The process of publication and dissemination of trial results will be examined, and the longer-term use of trial findings, including incorporation of trials into meta-analyses and systematic reviews, health economic analyses, and use in clinical guidelines and decisions about service provision, by bodies such as NICE. Throughout the short course, concepts will be illustrated with real trials, and a major theme will be critical evaluation of published trials.  There will be a mix of lectures, facilitated small group discussions, and assignments.

Method of teaching

The course involves a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes/workshops and guided independent study. 

Learning outcomes

On completion, you should be able to: 

• Explain the rationale and main features of methods of statistical analysis used in parallel randomised controlled trials
• Recognise the need for health economic evaluations within trials and interpret the main findings of such evaluations
• Identify common problems that arise in the analysis of trials and propose appropriate solutions to minimise bias
• Critically evaluate the design and analysis of published trials and interpret the results of statistical analyses to reach justified conclusions
• Explain the principles of trial reporting and justify why certain features need to be reported; effectively present trial data, results and conclusions through oral and written communication
• Describe how trials’ results are used to inform guidelines for clinical practice and decisions about service provision

Attendance required

2 block week of teaching

Course dates

24- 28 February
10-14 March

Assessment

1. 2000-word extended writing (60%)
2. Exhibition/poster display (20%)
3. 1500-word critical appraisal (20%)

Academics involved in the delivery of this module

Professor Simon Gates
Peter Fletcher

Entry requirements

Knowledge of basic statistics (e.g. confidence intervals and P values)

For further information, please contact the programme team at clinicaltrialsmsc@contacts.bham.ac.uk

You can choose to study this course as either a microcredential or a non-credit CPD shortcourse.

Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?

• Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the committment of a full-degree
• Usually taken from exisiting modules within a Masters, they can be used as standalone credentials with some also counting as academic credits at postgraduate level
• Add a postgraduate level qualification to your CV
• Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
• Alumni status with the University of Birmingham
• Learners will have the same access to our student support and campus facilities as our students on full degree programmes.

Please note that once registered for the microcredential you cannot swap for the non-credit shortcourse version.

Apply for the Microcredential

Non-credit short course

The microcredential and the non-credit short course follow the same course structure, the difference between them both is with the non-credit short course you do not take the assessment at the end therefore you will not receive credits but will recieve a certificate of completion, this certificate cannot be converted to credits. 

Please note if you apply for the non-credit short course, you cannot swap to the microcredential version once registered. 

Apply for the non-credit CPD shortcourse

Places on the non-credit shortcourse are limited so please enquire before if spaces are available.