The research must test relevant hypotheses and employ the most appropriate epidemiological and biostatistical methods. An overview of clinical trials theory and design characteristics provide the background necessary to conduct single center and multi-center studies. Topics encompass essential management functions and responsibilities by primarily focusing on the role of the research coordinator in enrollment, randomization, follow-up visits, timely reporting of adverse drug reactions and events, and study closeout. Covers the role and function of specialized committee structures in multi-center trials. There are presentations and discussions on applied methodology using examples from several recent and ongoing clinical studies.
Health promotion uses health education to promote health and prevent disease.
Covers the analytical process used to explore health problems, the identification of factors associated with them, and the development and evaluation of interventions. Critically reviews the methods and major substantive issues in psychiatric epidemiology. The course also covers study designs used in conducting psychiatric epidemiological research through lectures, seminars, and readings of current literature. Students learn how to critically evaluate and present research in a specific area of gerontological epidemiology with faculty supervision. The course highlights methodologic issues, such as gradual onset, lack of definitive tests, and use of surrogate responders.