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Observational Study Design in Veterinary Pathology, Part 1: Study Design
- Source :
- Veterinary Pathology, 55(5), 607-621. SAGE Publications Ltd, VETERINARY PATHOLOGY, Veterinary Pathology, 55(5), 607. SAGE Publications Ltd
- Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Observational studies are the basis for much of our knowledge of veterinary pathology and are highly relevant to the daily practice of pathology. However, recommendations for conducting pathology-based observational studies are not readily available. In part 1 of this series, we offer advice on planning and conducting an observational study with examples from the veterinary pathology literature. Investigators should recognize the importance of creativity, insight, and innovation in devising studies that solve problems and fill important gaps in knowledge. Studies should focus on specific and testable hypotheses, questions, or objectives. The methodology is developed to support these goals. We consider the merits and limitations of different types of analytic and descriptive studies, as well as of prospective vs retrospective enrollment. Investigators should define clear inclusion and exclusion criteria and select adequate numbers of study subjects, including careful selection of the most appropriate controls. Studies of causality must consider the temporal relationships between variables and the advantages of measuring incident cases rather than prevalent cases. Investigators must consider unique aspects of studies based on archived laboratory case material and take particular care to consider and mitigate the potential for selection bias and information bias. We close by discussing approaches to adding value and impact to observational studies. Part 2 of the series focuses on methodology and validation of methods.
- Subjects :
- 0301 basic medicine
Research design
laboratory medicine
bias
casecontrol
040301 veterinary sciences
media_common.quotation_subject
Veterinary pathology
Medical laboratory
0403 veterinary science
03 medical and health sciences
study design
descriptive studies
Animals
Information bias
observational studies
Pathology, Veterinary
media_common
Selection bias
General Veterinary
business.industry
Management science
04 agricultural and veterinary sciences
cohort
research design
Causality
3. Good health
Observational Studies as Topic
030104 developmental biology
Research Design
Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Observational study
epidemiology
pathology
hypothesis
reproducibility of results
business
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 03009858
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Veterinary Pathology, 55(5), 607-621. SAGE Publications Ltd, VETERINARY PATHOLOGY, Veterinary Pathology, 55(5), 607. SAGE Publications Ltd
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....13757045f9a5a124faba008138d561a7