Title
Principles of Drug Literature Evaluation for Observational Studies
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Shields KM, DiPietro NA, Kier KL. Principles of Drug Literature Evaluation for Observational Studies. Pharmacotherapy. 2011;31(2):115-27.
Abstract
Clinical pharmacists must often interpret and use data derived from observational studies when making clinical decisions and recommendations, answering drug information questions, and educating patients about drug therapy. This is the third article in a three‐part series intended to enhance clinical pharmacists' understanding of methods frequently used in such research and their application to patient care. Principles for critical evaluation of published observational studies are presented. Issues of bias and confounding that must be taken into account when assessing the data derived from observational studies are explained. Finally, examples of applications in pharmacy practice are presented.
Publication Date
2-2011
DOI
10.1592/phco.31.2.115