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395-0100-00L 1.5 Credits NDS , WBZ D-HEST

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From Clinical Problem to Research Question

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Johann Steurer, Dr. Sabine Goldhahn, Dr. Angela Frotzler

Only for CAS in Modern Concepts in Clinical Research and MAS in digital Clinical Research

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:57

Abstract

The course will discuss how to design a clinical study and addresses topics such as the quantification of medical need, the reduction of unnecessary complexity, and the identification of clinical outcome measures.

Objective

Some of the challenges in administering clinical treatments and disease prevention may look obvious. But their translation into research questions is not trivial. This step is crucial to initiating the necessary research and attracting funding. Therefore, the first module of the CAS ETH in Modern Concepts in Clinical Research (CAS ETH MCCR) will guide participants through designing a clinical study and addresses topics such as the quantification of medical need, the reduction of unnecessary complexity, and the identification of clinical outcome measures. The course enables participants to… 1. critically analyse clinical trials and scientific literature according to their level of evidence by applying analytical approaches, e.g. PICOT. 2. understand and avoid practical and ethical problems in clinical trials. 3. understand the concept of object design and apply it to clinical research. 4. explain why study participants are randomly selected in RCTs and the implications of this for study conduct and outcomes. 5. explain study outcomes, their hierarchy, and relevance. 6. understand the difference between various clinical outcome assessments (COAs) and their impact on clinical trial outcomes, and explain how patient-reported outcomes are developed, cross-culturally adapted, validated, and used. 7. understand and be able to classify psychometric properties of measurement instruments (reliability, validity, consistency, responsiveness).

General Information

Language: English
Levels: NDS , WBZ
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: ungraded semester performance

Registration & Places

Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components