Question

1. A study was conducted to see if a structured interdisciplinary approach could reduce the risk of subsequent falls in elderly persons who had already experienced a fall. To be eligible for the study, a person had to be 65 years of age or older, reside in a specific London area community, and treated at an emergency room for symptoms related to a fall between December, 2015 and June, 2016. All such patients who agreed to participate (n=184) were randomly assigned to receive a special structured interdisciplinary program or usual care. The special structured interdisciplinary program consisted of 1) a home visit by an occupational therapist to identify hazards for falling and 2) an in-depth medical assessment by the physician that emphasized factors that may predispose to falls, such as vision screening and balance. If the cause or causes of the fall could be identified, steps were taken to modify the implicated factors. During the one-year follow-up period, person in the interdisciplinary program were much less likely to have a fall than those who received usual care.

What type of study design is this? (Choose the one best answer)

a. ecologic

b. case series

c. cross-sectional

d. case-control

e. cohort

f. randomized trial

2. The medical care of homeless persons tends to be crisis-oriented and rely on emergency rooms. A study was conducted to see if improving patient satisfaction could alter medical care patterns in homeless persons. 133 consecutive homeless adults who visited one inner-city emergency room in Toronto were randomly assigned to receive compassionate contact from trained volunteers or to receive usual care. The study participants were then followed-up over time, and those who received the compassionate care program exhibited less crisis-oriented care than those who received usual care.

What type of study design is this? (Choose the one best answer)

a. ecologic

b. case series

c. cross-sectional

d. case-control

e. cohort

f. randomized trial

Answer 1

1.(b) A case series (also known as a clinical series) is a type of medical research study that tracks subjects with a known exposure, such as patients who have received a similar treatment, or examines their medical records for exposure and outcome.

2.(b) A case series (also known as a clinical series) is a type of medical research study that tracks subjects with a known exposure, such as patients who have received a similar treatment, or examines their medical records for exposure and outcome.