CSC Research & Evidence-Based Practice 3

Question 1

Which component of the PICO framework identifies the patient group for a clinical research question about atrial fibrillation management?

Accepted Answer

P — Population/Problem

Answer

The 'P' in PICO stands for Population or Problem, defining the specific patient group of interest in the clinical question.

Question 2

A study reports a hazard ratio of 0.72 (95% CI 0.55–0.94) for cardiovascular death with a novel anticoagulant. What does crossing 1.0 imply for statistical significance?

Accepted Answer

The result would not be statistically significant

Answer

If the 95% CI for a ratio measure crosses 1.0, the result is not statistically significant at p < 0.05.

Question 3

In which phase of a clinical trial is the primary goal to determine the optimal dose and safety profile of a new cardiac drug?

Accepted Answer

Phase II

Answer

Phase II trials focus on dose optimization and preliminary efficacy and safety in a larger group after initial safety is established in Phase I.

Question 4

A systematic review of cardiac resynchronization therapy studies uses funnel plot asymmetry. What is being assessed?

Accepted Answer

Publication bias

Answer

Funnel plot asymmetry is used to detect publication bias, where smaller negative studies may be underreported.

Question 5

Which study design is considered the gold standard for establishing causality in cardiac pharmacotherapy research?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trial

Answer

The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the gold standard because randomization controls for known and unknown confounders.

CSC - Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam Practice Test

CSC - Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam Practice Test

CSC Research & Evidence-Based Practice 3