Learning about clinical trials: The Western multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the effect of caffeine on alertness and cardiovascular parameters
Journal Article
With an increased emphasis on evidence-based medicine, teaching epidemiology and biostatistics to medical students is becoming increasingly important. This article discusses the development and implementation of a procedure for demonstrating the principles of clinical trials to medical students. A practical group exercise was used instead of traditional, lecture-based teaching. The students were both investigators and subjects in a placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial involving caffeine. This trial is presented and discussed. In general, the students found the exercise to be an effective and enjoyable alternative to a traditional, didactic teaching session. Practical suggestions for educators who may be interested in using this approach in their own teaching are given.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Østbye, T; Pause, C; Meissner, O; Feagan, B; Brown, JE; Strasberg, HR; Dodge, J
Published Date
- March 1, 1998
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 20 / 2
Start / End Page
- 127 - 132
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0142-159X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1080/01421599881237
Citation Source
- Scopus