For two decades, Understanding Clinical Papers has been helping students and professionals understand the research that supports evidence-based practice. Now in its fourth edition, this popular introductory textbook covers every major aspect of reading and evaluating clinical research literature, from identifying the aims and objectives of a paper to analysing the data with different multivariable methods. Numerous excerpts from actual clinical research papers make learning real and immediate, supported by a unique visual approach that reinforces key points and connects examples with the chapter material. The fourth edition includes extensively revised content throughout, including four brand-new chapters covering qualitative studies, Poisson regression, studies of complex interventions, and research using previously collected data. New and updated material discusses the difference between clinical and statistical significance, the consequences of multiple testing and methods of correction, how topic guides are used to explore and explain participants' experiences, standardised guidelines for writing trials and reviews, and much more. Offering clear explanations of important research-related topics, this reader-friendly resource: Offers a clear, concise, and accessible approach to learning how to read and analyse clinical research literature Features new coverage of qualitative research, including descriptive studies, sampling and populations, and identifying, summarising, and measuring qualitative characteristics Provides new material on missing data, sub-group analysis, feasibility and pilot studies, cluster randomised trials, and adaptive trial designs Includes new tables, abstracts, and excerpts from recent clinical research literature Understanding Clinical Papers is essential reading for all healthcare professionals and students, particularly those involved in clinical work and medical research, as well as general readers wanting to improve their understanding of research literature.

Now in its Second Edition, this book helps to unravel the processof evidence-based practice, which requires clinicians to evaluateand collate information from the journals they read.Understanding Clinical Papers, SecondEdition uses actual papers to illustrate how tounderstand and evaluate published research, but goes beyond this toprovide an explanation of a range of important research-relatedtopics. Understanding Clinical Papers, Second Edition: Covers everything necessary to understand a clinical researchpaper Examples are illustrated and based uniquely on tables,abstracts and exerts from published clinical research papers Amazingly clear, lively, accessible style The new edition has been markedly improved and extended,containing, for example, new material on measurement scales,systematic reviews, writing a paper, statistics software andcritical appraisal “What strikes the reader... straight away isclarity… promises to become a recommended text forundergraduate and postgraduate courses." JOURNAL OF TROPICALPEDIATRICS “The writing style is amazingly clear and does notrequire formal course work in biostatistics orepidemiology…We strongly recommend it for beginners and foreasy entry into a complex domain and to experts who we think willenjoy it and who will find it useful as they teach, advise and helpothers.” QUALITY IN HEALTH CARE “What makes this book unique is that each pointpresented is illustrated with excerpts from actual papers, oftenthree or four per chapter... this is a very effective teachingdevice." JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION “This book should be an essential addition to thepersonal libraries of all health care workers who need to usearticles in journals. In these days of evidence-based medicine,this should apply to all physicians, nurses and other healthprofessionals.” ONCOLOGY Understanding Clinical Papers, Second Edition isan invaluable resource for everyone involved directly or indirectlyin health care – an ultimate guide for those who readclinical literature.

A complete guide to understanding and applying clinical research results Ideal for both researchers and healthcare providers Understanding Clinical Research addresses both the operational challenges of clinical trials and the needs of clinicians to comprehend the nuances of research methods to accurately analyze study results. This timely resource covers all aspects of clinical trials--from study design and statistics to regulatory oversight--and it delivers a detailed yet streamlined overview of must-know research topics. The text features an accessible three-part organization that traces the evolution of clinical research and explains the bedrock principles and unique challenges of clinical experimentation and observational research. Reinforcing this content are real-life case examples--drawn from the authors' broad experience--that put chapter concepts into action and contribute to a working knowledge of integral research techniques. FEATURES: The most definitive guide to promoting excellence in clinical research, designed to empower healthcare providers to assess a study's strengths and weaknesses with confidence and apply this knowledge to optimize patient outcomes In-depth coverage of fundamental research methods and protocols from preeminent authorities provides readers with an instructive primer and a springboard for ongoing clinical research education Clear, comprehensive three-part organization: Section One: Evolution of Clinical Research offers a succinct history of clinical trials, drug regulations, and the role of the FDA while covering the impact of information technology and academic research organizations Section Two: Principles of Clinical Experimentation takes you through the typical phases of clinical trials in the development of medical products, from initial human subject research to postapproval surveillance studies Section Three: Observational Research highlights the underlying principles, pitfalls, and methods for case-control studies, cohort studies, registries, and subgroup analyses within randomized trials

It is important for healthcare professionals to understand the basics of clinical research. This book offers a thorough explanation of the principles of clinical research, alongside a wide range of worked examples which show how these principles are applied in practice. Understanding Clinical Research takes readers from how to develop research questions, through the design of research studies, to disseminating research findings. Ethical considerations, research integrity, patient involvement, and study funding are all covered, along with an introduction to the key statistical methods needed for data analysis. Ideal for any healthcare professional: interested in understanding more about the development of evidence-based practice wanting to undertake research but not sure where to start considering or just starting a PhD / MD, or a PGCert in Research Studies