Clinical Trials I
Study Course Implementer
14 Baložu street, Riga, statistika@rsu.lv, +371 67060897
About Study Course
Objective
Clinical trials, as opposed to epidemiological studies, are prospectively planned experiments to obtain data-based evidence regarding the efficacy and/or safety of one or several treatments. The aim of this course, which is one of two courses on design and analysis of clinical trials, is twofold: (i) to explain the concept of a clinical trial and account for the main ingredients of such trials; (ii) to explain and explore the main statistical concepts and methods used in the design and analysis of clinical trials. The emphasis is on how such methods can be used in practice especially in connection to convenient software packages.
Preliminary Knowledge
To follow this course, the student is required to be familiar with basic mathematical and statistical concepts, as well as have computer skills.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.After the course, students: • demonstrate understanding of concepts related to clinical trials; • will be familiar with the types of clinical trials and randomisations; • explain and illustrate the classification of clinical trials; • will be familiar with multiplicity and sampling.
Skills
1.After completing the course, the student will be able to independently use theory and methods about the most common types of clinical trials and to perform logical reasoning, masking, randomization and sample volume calculation by preparing a research minutes.
Competences
1.After completing this course, the student will be competent: • establish a study plan on a continuous basis; • propose innovative approaches to the study plan in accordance with certain specifications; • plan different aspects of clinical research, such as target parameters, comparators, sample size, randomization, etc.; • evaluate different alternative plans and present them to both specialists and non-specialists in the field; • perform professional analysis of the most common types of clinical trials, including masking, randomisation, and sampling. In addition, the student will understand aspects of good clinical practice and legislation.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Self-assessment test. |
5.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
2.
Self-assessment test |
5.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Reflection after lecture (to be submitted in estudies) |
||
|
3.
Development of research minutes |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Study minutes developed |
||
|
4.
Development of the research minutes method |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
A study minutes methodology has been developed. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Self-assessment test - terminology and adherence to principles |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Self-assessment test - terminology and adherence to principles |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
The history, objectives and importance of experimental research.
Description
Familiarise students with the historical development, basic principles, objectives and importance of experimental research in healthcare and public health. The lecture highlights the research’s contribution to the development of clinical practice and evidence-based care. To familiarise students with the structure of the clinical trial stages, the objectives of each phase, the involvement of participants and the role in the development of medicinal products or treatments. Lecture provides an understanding of how research phases ensure safe and effective therapies are put into practice. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Clinical trial phases
Description
To familiarise students with the structure of the clinical trial stages, the objectives of each phase, the involvement of participants and the role in the development of medicinal products or treatments. Lecture provides an understanding of how research phases ensure safe and effective therapies are put into practice. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Main research designs and their choice
Description
Overview of the main research designs (observation, experimental, cohort, etc.) and their suitability for different research issues. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Randomisation and randomised controlled trials
Description
The importance, methods and application of randomisation in clinical trials have been explained. A look at the types of randomization and their benefits. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ensuring control group and comparability
Description
The role of control groups in scientific design, their choice and possible substitutes in cases where control is not possible. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Blind methods and study masking
Description
Blind methods (simple, double) and study camouflage strategies are discussed to prevent abnormalities and improve reliability. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Description of the poppolation to be studied
Description
Complex designs, their benefits and limitations. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Complex and multidimensional research designs
Description
Complex designs, their benefits and limitations. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Determination of sample size: principles and methods
Description
Presentation of sampling methods, including capacity analysis and effect size. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Adaptive themes and their application
Description
Adaptive designs – flexible research plans that adapt to intermediate concepts. Examples and uses in healthcare. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Examples of design: analysis and interpretation (lesson)
Description
Practical analysis of examples from different research designs, evaluation of them according to research issues. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Examples of design: analysis and interpretation (lesson)
Description
Calculation of sample circles in different studies. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Evaluation of the design of the research minutes (lesson)
Description
Discussion and analysis of the choice of different designs in research minutes. Critical evaluation of design structure. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Regulatory authorisations for Clinical Studies
Description
Regulatory authorisation, receipt and organisation of Clinical Studies |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Requirements for drawing up minutes of Clinical Studies
Description
Development of clinical trial minutes and their requirements |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Low intervention Clinical studies
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Planning of multinational clinic studies
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Non-interventionist Clinical Studies
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Statistical analysis plan
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Preparing minutes synopsis
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Clinical study protocol full version
|
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethical aspects of biomedical and clinical research. Principles of the ICH GCP.
Description
Develop students’ understanding of ethical principles in clinical trials and present the ICH-GCP (good Clinical practice) guidelines as an international standard for ensuring the safety and quality of human-involved research. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethical aspects of biomedical and clinical research. Principles of the ICH GCP.
Description
Develop students’ understanding of ethical principles in clinical trials and present the ICH-GCP (good Clinical practice) guidelines as an international standard for ensuring the safety and quality of human-involved research. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Principles of good clinical practice, ethical dilemmas
Description
Develop students’ understanding of ethical principles in clinical trials and present the ICH-GCP (good Clinical practice) guidelines as an international standard for ensuring the safety and quality of human-involved research. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
The history, objectives and importance of experimental research.
Description
Familiarise students with the historical development, basic principles, objectives and importance of experimental research in healthcare and public health. The lecture highlights the research’s contribution to the development of clinical practice and evidence-based care. To familiarise students with the structure of the clinical trial stages, the objectives of each phase, the involvement of participants and the role in the development of medicinal products or treatments. Lecture provides an understanding of how research phases ensure safe and effective therapies are put into practice. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Main research designs and their choice
Description
Overview of the main research designs (observation, experimental, cohort, etc.) and their suitability for different research issues. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Randomisation and randomised controlled trials
Description
The importance, methods and application of randomisation in clinical trials have been explained. A look at the types of randomization and their benefits. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Ensuring control group and comparability
Description
The role of control groups in scientific design, their choice and possible substitutes in cases where control is not possible. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Blind methods and study masking
Description
Blind methods (simple, double) and study camouflage strategies are discussed to prevent abnormalities and improve reliability. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Description of the poppolation to be studied
Description
Complex designs, their benefits and limitations. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Complex and multidimensional research designs
Description
Complex designs, their benefits and limitations. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Determination of sample size: principles and methods
Description
Presentation of sampling methods, including capacity analysis and effect size. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Adaptive themes and their application
Description
Adaptive designs – flexible research plans that adapt to intermediate concepts. Examples and uses in healthcare. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Examples of design: analysis and interpretation (lesson)
Description
Practical analysis of examples from different research designs, evaluation of them according to research issues. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Examples of design: analysis and interpretation (lesson)
Description
Calculation of sample circles in different studies. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Evaluation of the design of the research minutes (lesson)
Description
Discussion and analysis of the choice of different designs in research minutes. Critical evaluation of design structure. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Regulatory authorisations for Clinical Studies
Description
Regulatory authorisation, receipt and organisation of Clinical Studies |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Requirements for drawing up minutes of Clinical Studies
Description
Development of clinical trial minutes and their requirements |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Low intervention Clinical studies
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Planning of multinational clinic studies
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Non-interventionist Clinical Studies
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Statistical analysis plan
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Preparing minutes synopsis
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Clinical study protocol full version
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
1
|
Topics
|
Ethical aspects of biomedical and clinical research. Principles of the ICH GCP.
Description
Develop students’ understanding of ethical principles in clinical trials and present the ICH-GCP (good Clinical practice) guidelines as an international standard for ensuring the safety and quality of human-involved research. |
Bibliography
Required Reading
Additional Reading
Author Correction: Exogenously applied growth regulators protect the cotton crop from heat-induced injury by modulating plant defense mechanism
Anaesthetic management of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in patients of dilated cardiomyopathy with poor ejection fraction: a case report