Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Clinical Trials I

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SL_107
Branch of Science
Other natural sciences
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Life Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Statistics Unit
Contacts

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

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Video
2

Topics

Complex and multidimensional research designs
Description

Complex designs, their benefits and limitations.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Regulatory authorisations for Clinical Studies
Description

Regulatory authorisation, receipt and organisation of Clinical Studies

  1. 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

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Low intervention Clinical studies
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Planning of multinational clinic studies
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Non-interventionist Clinical Studies
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Statistical analysis plan
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Preparing minutes synopsis
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

Clinical study protocol full version
  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
48 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1
  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Description of the poppolation to be studied
Description

Complex designs, their benefits and limitations.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

Complex and multidimensional research designs
Description

Complex designs, their benefits and limitations.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Regulatory authorisations for Clinical Studies
Description

Regulatory authorisation, receipt and organisation of Clinical Studies

  1. 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

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Low intervention Clinical studies
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Planning of multinational clinic studies
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Non-interventionist Clinical Studies
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Statistical analysis plan
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Preparing minutes synopsis
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

Clinical study protocol full version
  1. 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.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
28 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Evolution of Clinical Trials throughout HistorySuitable for English stream

2.

FDA and Clinical Drug Trials: A Short History

3.

Clinical research_FDA

4.

Clinical trials in human research

5.

What are sensitivity and specificity?

Additional Reading

1.

Guidance documents e.g. the ICH guideline E9: Statistical Principles for Clinical Trials.

2.

The basics of clinical trial

3.

US Health Care Spending by Payer and Health Condition, 1996-2016

4.

Author Correction: Exogenously applied growth regulators protect the cotton crop from heat-induced injury by modulating plant defense mechanism

5.

Anaesthetic management of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in patients of dilated cardiomyopathy with poor ejection fraction: a case report

6.

Course of lipaemia retinalis in acquired generalised lipodystrophy

7.

Up-regulation of DNA2 results in cell proliferation and migration in endometriosis

8.

Transient Pupil Dilation after Subsaccadic Microstimulation of Primate Frontal Eye Fields