| time and motion studies | The observation and analysis of movements in a task with an emphasis on the amount of time required to perform the task. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| electrophysiological studies | <investigation> A special study that involves the placement of electrodes inside the heart to map the electrical characteristics of the heart. This study is carried out in a specially equipped lab and is similar to a cardiac catheterisation procedure. Electrodes are placed inside the heart via a catheter placed into a vein. The electrodes are positioned near the heart's conduction system and an electrical map of the heart can be determined. This test is often performed in those where a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia is a problem. The location and characteristics of an arrhythmia can be determined, thus guiding medical management of the problem. Patients with Wolf Parkinson White syndrome or sick sinus syndrome may have this test as part of their evaluation. Acronym: EPS (14 Mar 2000) |
| epidemiologic studies | Studies designed to examine associations, commonly, hypothesised causal relations. They are usually concerned with identifying or measuring the effects of risk factors or exposures. The common types of analytic study are case-control studies, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies. (12 Dec 1998) |
| evaluation studies | Studies determining the effectiveness or value of processes, personnel, and equipment, or the material on conducting such studies. For drugs and devices, clinical trials, drug evaluation, and drug screening are available. (12 Dec 1998) |
| twin studies | Methods of detecting genetic aetiology in human traits. The basic premise of twin studies is that monozygotic twins, being formed by the division of a single fertilised ovum, carry identical genes, while dizygotic twins, being formed by the fertilization of two ova by two different spermatozoa, are genetically no more similar than two siblings born after separate pregnancies. (12 Dec 1998) |
| feasibility studies | Studies to determine the advantages or disadvantages, practicability, or capability of accomplishing a projected plan, study, or project. (12 Dec 1998) |
| follow-up studies | Studies in which individuals or populations are followed to assess the outcome of exposures, procedures, or effects of a characteristic, e.g., occurrence of disease. (12 Dec 1998) |
| longitudinal studies | Studies in which variables relating to an individual or group of individuals are assessed over a period of time. (12 Dec 1998) |