Randomised Controlled Trials - HEA00034M

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  • Department: Health Sciences
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

To understand, critically review and be able to design a randomised controlled trial.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students will:

  1. Be able to write a funding proposal for a randomised trial.
  2. Be able to critically review published randomised trials.

Module content

The module will include covering the following:

  • Weaknesses of observational Studies, Regression discontinuity; Random allocation Pragmatic trials. Sources of bias in trials
  • Sample size, outcomes
  • Ethics Research Governance, writing a trial protocol, statistical aspects of trial design
  • Cluster design, factorial trials
  • Zelen’s method, Preference, Placebo trial designs, n = 1, cross-over, balanced design
  • Unequal allocation, trial quality, Increasing response rates to follow-up
  • Data management; pilot trials, cohort trial, Trial Recruitment
  • Trial cost, Economic evaluation alongside trials, Stepped wedge, publishing trials

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Written feedback for summative assessment is provided on the standard proforma, within the timescale specified in the programme handbook.

Indicative reading

  • Torgerson, D. and Toergerson, C. (2008). Designing Randomised Trials in Health, Education and the Social Sciences. Palgrave Macmillan.