Pragmatic Trials in Healthcare Evaluation

This module introduces students to the various design options available for pragmatic clinical trials. Students will learn about different types of trial designs including randomized clinical trials, and understand the common sources of errors that could lead to erroneous trial results and how to mitigate them.

Skills you'll gain

This module focuses on the selection and implementation of appropriate outcome measures in clinical trials. Students will learn approaches for measuring health status and disease outcomes, understand the characteristics that define a good outcome measure, and explore the various types of outcome measures commonly used in clinical trial research.

Skills you'll gain

This module examines non-inferiority trial designs and their unique applications in clinical research. Students will understand how non-inferiority trials differ from other clinical trial designs, learn appropriate methodologies for conducting these trials, and develop skills in interpreting and reporting results from non-inferiority studies.

Skills you'll gain

This module covers fundamental statistical methods used in analyzing clinical trial data. Students will learn how to match research questions with appropriate statistical analysis methods, develop skills in interpreting analytical results, understand the differences between intent-to-treat and per-protocol analyses, and address common challenges with missing data.

Skills you'll gain

This module focuses on essential concepts in determining appropriate sample sizes for clinical trials. Students will learn about relevant issues to consider when estimating sample size, understand how to interpret study power, and gain practical experience calculating sample size using online calculators to ensure statistically valid results.

Skills you'll gain

This module introduces Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) designs and their application in developing adaptive treatment strategies. Students will identify research questions that can benefit from an adaptive design approach, learn appropriate analytic methods for adaptive designs, and develop skills in interpreting results from SMART studies.

Skills you'll gain

This module provides a foundation in Bayesian statistical methods for clinical trials. Students will learn the principles of statistical inference, understand the differences between frequentist and Bayesian approaches to statistical analysis, and explore how Bayesian inference can be applied to clinical research questions.

Skills you'll gain

This module explores the practical application of Bayesian methods in clinical trial design. Students will learn how Bayesian approaches can be integrated with adaptive design principles, understand adaptive randomization and predictive probability concepts, develop skills in interpreting Bayesian design trials, and become familiar with software tools for conducting Bayesian analyses.

Skills you'll gain

This module examines quasi-experimental designs used in health services research when randomized trials are not feasible. Students will understand the need for quasi-experiments and their limitations, learn about Difference-in-Differences (DID) estimators and models, and develop skills in designing and analyzing quasi-experimental studies.

Skills you'll gain

This module focuses on adaptive trial designs that allow modifications based on interim data analysis. Students will learn about the limitations of traditional randomized trials, explore common adaptive approaches and their associated challenges, and understand covariate and outcome adaptive randomization techniques for improving trial efficiency and ethical considerations.

Skills you'll gain

This module addresses the practical aspects of planning and conducting clinical trials. Students will learn approaches for assessing impact, feasibility, and funding sources, understand the scientific review process, explore procedures for study initiation, continuing review, and audits, and develop skills for effectively working with sponsors throughout the trial process.

Skills you'll gain