OBSSR Summer Institute on RCT

Summer Institute on Design and Conduct of
Randomized Clinical Trials
Involving Behavioral Interventions

July 20 to August 1, 2003

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The 2004 Course

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Frequently Asked Questions

Links to RCT Information

Last updated on:
May 5, 2004

Contact:
Ronald Abeles

Department of Health and Human Services

	Objective
	To provide a thorough grounding in the conduct of randomized clinical trials to researchers and health professionals interested in developing competence in the planning, design, and execution of clinical trials involving behavioral interventions.
	Dates and Location
	July 20 to August 1, 2003 The course will be held at the Airlie Conference Center in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Northern Virginia, providing a serene atmosphere for work and thought in a community of scholars. Airlie, VA is approximately 60 minutes driving time from Washington, D.C., and is close to recreational areas such as Shanandoah National Park and Luray Caverns. Lodging, meals, and instruction will take place here.
	Course Content Slides from most lectures Course Binder (with bibliography)
	The Curriculum will enable participants to: Describe the principles underlying the conduct of unbiased clinical trials. Contrast biomedical vs. Behavioral interventions in the context of RCTs. Evaluate and interpret critically the literature on RCTs for behavioral interventions. Contrast and evaluate alternative research designs in terms of their appropriateness. Contrast and evaluate methods for monitoring, coordinating, and conducting RCTs. Select appropriate outcome measures, enrollment strategies, and randomization techniques Design a specific research proposal in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
	The Organizer
	The Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is organizing and providing financial support for this course. Faculty of past summer institutes and Advisory Group consist of leading authorities in their fields, with extensive prior experience in the conduct of major clinical trials, with specializations in psychology, behavioral medicine, psychosomatic medicine, gerontology, oncology, cardiovascular diseases, statistics, clinical trials, and other areas.
	Eligibility Requirements for Summer Fellows
	Priority will be given to individuals with a doctoral or medical degree and a minimum of two years post-degree research experience. Preference will be given to individuals who have not yet reached tenure rank as well as to individuals who are not employees of the NIH. Due to the limited number of spaces in the course, applicants must be citizens or non-citizen nationals of the United States, or must have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence (i.e., possess a currently valid Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551, or other legal verification of such status). Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable Accommodations: If you require reasonable accommodations for disabilities to participate in this activity, please contact Ronald P. Abeles, Ph.D., 301-496-7859 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time, or via e-mail at abelesr@od.nih.gov at least 60 business days before the course begins.
	Costs and Stipends
	The Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, NIH, will pay for travel to and from the Summer Institute site, room and board, and for course materials. Family members may accompany participants at their own costs.
	Application Procedures
	The course is now closed for enrollment. Applications were due on March 3, 2003. The course will be offered again in 2004-2007. Join the listserv in order to receive announcements regarding these future courses.
	Additional Information
	Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. LISTSERV: Join the electronic mailing list for forthcoming announcements by sending an e-mail message to listserv@list.nih.gov. The body of the message should read SUBscribe RCT-L [your full name]. The message is case sensitive; so capitalize as indicated! Don't include the brackets. The subject line should be blank For example, for Robin Smith to subscribe, the message would read SUBscribe RCT-L Robin Smith You will receive a confirmation of your subscription along with instructions on how to use the LISTSERV and how to unsubscribe. Visit the HomePage for periodic updates. Read the Questions and Answers page! Contact Dr. Ronald Abeles at NIH for substantive questions about the course (abelesr@od.nih.gov) or 301-496-7859).