Long-term benefits of a postgraduate programme in clinical epidemiology. The study programme "clinical evaluation" of the University of Marburg
Donner-Banzhoff, N.; Brucks, U.; Schade-Brittinger, C.; Müller, H-Helge.
Zeitschrift für Arztliche Fortbildung und Qualitatssicherung 99(7): 449-454
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1431-7621 PMID: 16277061 Document Number: 590199
In 1997 the first Clinical Epidemiology Programme in Germany was founded at the University of Marburg. This has been a part-time programme of six months' duration for young medical researchers interested in study planning, conduct and analysis. We report the results of focus group evaluations undertaken at the end of each programme which is held every year. We also surveyed former participants by phone to assess long-term effects of the programme. Overall, according to participants' feedback the programme has been a success. In particular, competences in study planning and critical appraisal were considered useful. However, participants reported difficulties implementing their newly gained knowledge and skills within their home departments. Postgraduate programmes of this kind catalyze the establishment of clinical research at German University Medical Centres.