RESEARCH IN THE CARDIAC INTENSIVE-CARE UNIT

Successful clinical research entails the application of inductive reas oning and the scientific method to the investigation of problems in pa tient care. Testing appropriately formulated hypotheses reveals new pr inciples from which we derive new therapeutic options. The cardiac int ensive care unit challenges us to create an environment where basic te nets can be questioned without disturbing the orderly conduct of clini cal care. We review the components of the scientific method and types of clinical investigations that are most pertinent to the cardiac inte nsive care unit. The advantages and disadvantages of prospective, retr ospective, cross sectional and case control studies are reviewed. The conduct of clinical trials is reviewed with reference to appropriate s tatistical analysis as well as the opportunities and contraints that a ccompany intensive care-based research.