Handbook for Clinical Research: Design, Statistics, and Implementation

With over 80 information-packed chapters, Handbook for Clinical Research delivers the practical insights and expert tips necessary for successful research design, analysis, and implementation. Using clear language and an accessible bullet point format, the authors present the knowledge and expertise developed over time and traditionally shared from mentor to mentee and colleague to colleague. Organized for quick access to key topics and replete with practical examples, the book describes a variety of research designs and statistical methods and explains how to choose the best design for a particular project. Research implementation, including regulatory issues and grant writing, is also covered.

The book opens with a section on the basics of research design, discussing the many ways in which studies can be organized, executed, and evaluated. The second section is devoted to statistics and explains how to choose the correct statistical approach and reviews the varieties of data types, descriptive and inferential statistics, methods for demonstrating associations, hypothesis testing and prediction, specialized methods, and considerations in epidemiological studies and measure construction. The third section covers implementation, including how to develop a grant application step by step, the project budget, and the nuts and bolts of the timely and successful completion of a research project and documentation of findings: procedural manuals and case report forms collecting, managing and securing data operational structure and ongoing monitoring and evaluation and ethical and regulatory concerns in research with human subjects.

With a concise presentation of the essentials for successful research, the Handbook for Clinical Research is a valuable addition to the library of any student, research professional, or clinician interested in expanding the knowledge base of his or her field.

Key Features:

• Delivers the essential elements, practical insights, and trade secrets for ensuring successful research design, analysis, and implementation
• Presents the nuts and bolts of statistical analysis
• Organized for quick access to a wealth of information
• Replete with practical examples of successful research designs √õ from single case designs to meta-analysis - and how to achieve them
• Addresses research implementation including regulatory issues and grant writing

Flora Hammond, MD, Chair, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Covalt Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine, and Chief of Medical Affairs, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis

James Malec, PhD, Professor and Research Director Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana; Professor Emeritus, Mayo Clinic

Todd G. Nick, PhD, Director, Biostatistics Program, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine, Little Rock, Arkansas

Ralph Buschbacher, MD, is Professor of Clinical Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana.