cohort study

Introduction

A study that draws conclusions on the effects of factors or treatments by observing assigned group(s) of subjects over a period of time.

Evaluates effects of rare potential causes

Performs survival analysis

Appropriate outcome measure is relative risk

Appears to assume but does not explicitly state there is a control group in addition to the cohort

Notes

• the hierachy of evidence for observational studies is:
  • case series < case control study < cohort study < meta-analysis of cohort studies

More general terms

• observational study

More specific terms

• Ohsaki National Health Insurance Cohort study
• prospective cohort study; prospective study