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Equine veterinary journal2021; 53(4); 638-644; doi: 10.1111/evj.13427

Study design synopsis: Observational study design in equine research.

Abstract: When planning to conduct research, thorough consideration of the study design is essential to enable valid results and purposeful conclusions. A good study design will provide a strong basis for robust conclusions that can contribute to the evidence base. Conversely, a poor study design may unintentionally lead to invalid conclusions with inappropriate claims of the clinical importance. The purpose of this article is to review important aspects of observational study design, with an emphasis on observational clinical research. The value of an observational study can be manifold and the benefit of studying clinical cases can add substantial value to the evidence base and equine health and welfare, however this value will be diminished if study designs are flawed, or are inadequately reported. It is essential that clinicians have the skills to critically appraise observational studies, to determine strengths, limitations and the applicability to their clinical practice.
© 2021 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2021-03-14 PubMed ID: 33719094DOI: 10.1111/evj.13427Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
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  • Editorial
  • Observational Study
  • Observational Study
  • Veterinary

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article is about the significant role that a well-planned observational study design plays in equine research to ensure valid results and meaningful conclusions.

Importance of Study Design

  • The article highlights the importance of thoroughly considering the study design during the planning stage of research. The right design strengthens the basis for reaching robust conclusions, which plays a critical role in contributing to the existing evidence database.
  • A poorly conceptualized study design could unintentionally lead to invalid conclusions, possibly resulting in unfounded claims about the clinical significance of the study findings.

Observational Study Design in Clinical Research

  • The paper specifically reviews the key aspects of an observational study design, with a particular focus on observational clinical research. In this form of research, researchers observe the participants without manipulating any variables or introducing any intervention; they merely record the outcomes of naturally occurring events or interactions.
  • It also underlines the importance of correctly and fully reporting study designs to ensure the extraction of maximum value from clinical case studies within observational research.

Value of Observational Study

  • Observational studies can provide valuable insights that can significantly contribute to our understanding of equine health and welfare. They can reveal patterns and associations that may not be visible with other types of research designs.
  • However, the article emphasizes that this value can be undermined if study designs are flawed or if they are not reported properly.

Critical Appraisal Skills

  • The article underscores the need for clinicians to develop skills to critically evaluate observational studies. These skills will be essential in assessing the strengths and limitations of study designs and determining their applicability to clinical practice.
  • Research findings shared from well-planned and accurately reported observational studies can contribute to informed decision making in equine healthcare practices.

Cite This Article

APA
Lawson A, Pinchbeck G. (2021). Study design synopsis: Observational study design in equine research. Equine Vet J, 53(4), 638-644. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13427

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 53
Issue: 4
Pages: 638-644

Researcher Affiliations

Lawson, April
  • Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Cheshire, UK.
Pinchbeck, Gina
  • Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Cheshire, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Research Design

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Citations

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