What are the Core Concepts of Clinical Epidemiology?
Several core concepts are integral to clinical epidemiology, including:
- Study Design: Different types of studies, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case-control studies, are used to gather data. - Bias and Confounding: Identifying and mitigating bias and confounding factors is essential to ensure the validity of study results. - Measures of Association: Metrics like relative risk, odds ratio, and hazard ratio help quantify the relationship between exposures and outcomes. - Screening and Diagnostic Tests: Evaluating the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of diagnostic tests to ensure accurate patient diagnosis.
