Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: Research is defined as a quest for knowledge through diligent investigation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of new knowledge using the scientific method. In the clinical setting, epidemiological methods are used to make a prediction about exposure to and/or health outcome for an individual based on scientific studies of groups of similar patients. Inadequacies in clinical epidemiological research methodologies constitute a challenge to generating and publishing sound, scientific clinical evidence. Flaws in methodology constitute the major reasons for this and indeed, for rejection of manuscripts submitted to health journals in general. Use of research methods not rigorous enough to answer a proposed research question and/or lack of adequate details on the research methods in the manuscripts submitted for publication are commonly observed features. These, not only compromise the quality of evidence generated and disseminated, but also contribute substantially to delays in the publication of manuscripts. This article describes the basic concepts of clinical epidemiological research and highlights common pitfalls and errors to be avoided.
Source: Ethiopian Medical Journal
Author: Sileshi Lulseged
Language: English
Subfield: Statistics and Probability
Field: Mathematics
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2604803658