Abstract:
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Objective: Despite covering common concepts, Biostatistics and Epidemiology courses are often developed independently. As a result, students may have trouble applying these concepts to their own studies. We are developing an integrated, intermediate-level, case-based course using modern, real-world clinical examples. Methods: We surveyed faculty to identify a set of core methodological competencies. These included randomized trials, case-control and cohort studies, confounding, effect modification, propensity scores, linear and logistic regression, and survival analysis. Faculty provided us with clinical questions and de-identified datasets corresponding to these competencies; we also reviewed publicly-available datasets. Results: We created 9 draft cases that cover our core methodological competencies and a range of clinical topics (e.g., HIV, acupuncture, gun assault). Each case includes a background section, discussion questions, dataset, teaching notes, readings, lab exercises, and homework assignments. Conclusions: Despite administrative challenges, integrated courses offer pedagogical rewards. This novel case-based course will be offered to Tufts students in Spring 2015.
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