Research methods

Question 1

In carrying out a literature search, give two issues that the specialist rheumatology registrar should consider in formulating their search strategy

Answer 1

• Patient diagnosis
• Study type
• Relevant outcome

Question 2

When considering the results of the search, briefly describe which study types are considered to provide the highest quality evidence and why?

Answer 2

• Systemic review of randomised control trials
• Then individual randomised control trials
• These are considered the best because RCTs limit bias, and confounding
• Cochrane evidence base?

Question 3

What population characteristics do you need to know in order to calculate incidence and prevalence?

Answer 3

• Number of new cases
• Number of people currently with disease
• Total population at risk of having that disease
• At a given point in time or over a period of time
• (incidence = the number of new cases in a specified time divided by the number of people in the population at risk)
• (prevalence = the number of people with a disease at a given time divided by the population at risk of having that condition)