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535-0050-00L 3 Credits MSC , WBZ D-CHAB

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety

Lecturers & Examiners: Stefan Russmann
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:37

Abstract

Introduction to the principles, methods and applications of pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Drug safety in the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory authorities, but also for hospital and office pharmacists. Another focus is the evaluation and interpretation of pharmacoepidemiological drug safety studies in the medical literature and the evaluation of benefits vs. risks.

Objective

Objectives: - To familiarize participants with the principle methods and applications of pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety that is relevant for industry, regulatory affairs, but also for clinical pharmacists in hospitals and office pharmacies. - Perform independently a causality assessment of suspected adverse drug reactions in patients - Study designs and biostatistics used for the quantitative evaluation of drug safety - Setup of programs that can effectively reduce medication errors and improve drug safety in clinical practice, particularly in hospitals

Content

- Historical landmarks of drug safety - Pharmacovigilance and causality assessment - Drug safety in premarketing clinical trials - Descriptive, cohort and case-control drug safety study designs; Data analysis and control of confounding - Pharmacoepidemiology and regulatory decision making in drug safety; Risk management plans (RMPs) - Medication errors, clinical pharmacology / clinical pharmacy - Clinical Decision Support Systems, Interventional Pharmacoepidemiology - Pharmacoepidemiological databases, 'Big Data' - Interactive discussion of many real-life examples for each topic

Resources

Lecture Notes

This course will be a combination of formal lectures, group discussions and self-directed studies. Course material will be taught through seminars, case studies in small groups.Reading material and scripts will be provided for each week.

Literature

Recommended literature - Rothman: Introduction to Epidemiology - Strom, Kimmel, Hennessy: Textbook of Pharmacoepidemiology - Gigerenzer: Risk Savvy - How to Make Good Decisions

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC , WBZ
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 60 minutes
Aids
English Dictionary

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
Homework and self study on 09 and 23 Oct.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In