A Concise Guide to Clinical Trials (eBook)

Clinical trials have revolutionized the way disease is prevented,
detected and treated, and early death avoided, and they continue to
be an expanding area of research. They are central to the work of
pharmaceutical companies, and there are many academic and public
sector organizations that conduct trials on a wide variety of
interventions, including drugs, devices, surgical techniques, and
changes in behaviour and lifestyle.

A Concise Guide to Clinical Trials provides a
comprehensive yet easy-to-read overview of the design, conduct and
analysis of trials. It requires no prior knowledge on the subject
as the important concepts are introduced throughout. There are
chapters that distinguish between the different types of trials,
and an introduction to systematic reviews, health-related quality
of life and health economic evaluation. The book also covers the
ethical and legal requirements in setting up a clinical trial due
to an increase in governance responsibilities and regulations.

This practical guidebook is ideal for busy clinicians and other
health professionals who do not have enough time to attend courses
or search through extensive textbooks. It will help anyone involved
in undertaking clinical research, or those reading about trials.
The book is aimed at:

* Those wishing to learn about clinical trials for the first
time, or as a quick reference guide, for example as part of a
taught course on clinical trials

* Health professionals who wish to conduct their own trials, or
participate in other people's studies

* People who work in pharmaceutical companies, grant funding
organisations, or regulatory agencies