Key Topics in Clinical Research PDF

PREFACE

There are many books designed to help postgraduate trainees undertake clinical audit and research projects. Other books help them to analyze their results using medical statistics. Yet more texts help them prepare for their specialty examinations. These books are often written by eminent senior researchers or statisticians and, unfortunately, to the hard-pressed medical trainee they may appear turgid, difficult to read and of tedious length. The idea for this book arose from a series of tutorials and courses given by the authors, who are clinical practitioners with special interests in clinical research, working at teaching hospitals. There is a continuing demand for a short, clear, highlighted reference to guide trainees and trainers through research and audit projects, from first idea, through data collection and analysis, to presentation and publication. The aim of this book is also to provide comprehensive, concise and easily accessible information on all aspects of research and audit for the busy young trainee preparing for his specialty examinations.

We are most grateful for the enthusiasm that all authors have brought to this venture, for the expert help of Professor MD Vickers in reviewing selected topics, and for the encouragement and patience of Ms Lisa Mansell at BIOS Scientific Publishers.