Publisher's Synopsis
For this new edition, the text, notes and references have again been thoroughly revised and updated. Chapters on clinical trials and programme trials have been added, and due attention is now paid to the use of personal computers. The discussion of ethical considerations has been expanded, and a table of random numbers has been added. Case-control and cohort studies are discussed in more detail than previously.;As in previous editions, the more appropriate title of "Research Methods in Community Medicine" - which would better reflect the book's concern with experimental as well as observational studies - was avoided in order not to repel readers who are interested in conducting investigations aimed at pragmatic purposes, but who conceive of research as an ivory-tower activity far removed from their own mundane activities.;It is hoped that the book will be helpful to doctors and others planning investigations of groups and populations, such as health surveys, prospective studies, comparisons of cases and controls, prophylactic and therapeutic trials, studies of the use of medical services, and other epidemiological and evaluative research.;The chapter on community-oriented primary care (added in the third edition) was written to meet the needs of physician and other health workers who provide primary care for individuals or families in the community and also endeavour to treat the community as a patient by appraising its health needs and establishing and evaluating programmes to meet these needs.
