observational vs. experimental studies

Asa,

In social science as well as in medical drug development, both observational and experimental designs for research are used.

However, observational is more suitable for assessing, dose response or survey whether the quality of life improves after taking a certain drug, recently marketed and prescribed by doctors, whereas the experimental designs will have drug study arms, in case of open label studies or in case of off label drug threshold studies, the efficacy and safety of drug will demand an experimental design with safety measures to avoid adverse events.

The interactions will be especially significant and obvious in such a design.

Hope this helps!

Thanks,

Allah Hafiz,

Saira

Posted by: sairaiqPosts: 2 :: 27-03-2005 :: | Reply to this Message

Re: observational vs. experimental studies

I think checking improvement in the quality of life with a new drug is not an observational study, rather an experimental study. You are putting that individual to a risk of side effects of that particular drug.

Posted by: yasirPosts: 90 :: 27-03-2005 :: | Reply to this Message

Re: Re: observational vs. experimental studies

quote:

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yasir wrote:
I think checking improvement in the quality of life with a new drug is not an observational study, rather an experimental study. You are putting that individual to a risk of side effects of that particular drug.

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yes i agree to Mr. Yasir, if u want to know the response of a drug(treatment) on a unit(patient) than it is experimental study. an observational study cumes into play when a unit has already recieved a treatment and u are interested in the future response or past!! i hope this explanation gives u a clear idea about experimental and observational studies

Posted by: mehwishPosts: 18 :: 29-03-2005 :: | Reply to this Message