August Virtual Journal Club – Formative SAQ Paper

Summarise the paper in 200 words

What are the strengths of the study design?

The authors of this study performed a power calculation to identify the number of participants required in each arm. What is the power of a study defined as?

This study is described as having an active control group. What is the difference between this and a passive control group?

The primary data analysis section describes analysis of dichotomous and categoric variables using contingency tables with the X² or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. What is the difference between those tests? When is it appropriate to use either?

This study utilised an example of a Likert-type scale to assess fulfilment of patient and clinician expectations. What is this?

The study uses a Cox proportional hazards model. What is this?

What was the incidence of a Ramsay Sedation Scale score of 3 in the Methoxyflurane arm of the trial?

What are the limitations of the study?