prospective cohort study; prospective study

Introduction

A study that depends on data collected prospectively from the time the study begins.

Prospective cohort studies are designed to follow a defined population (cohort) for outcome(s) subsequent to the initiation of the study.

Indications

• best type of study to determine prognosis of common diseases Contradications
• participant attrition or loss to follow-up over the study period is a limitation

Notes

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

More general terms

• cohort study

More specific terms

• Prospective Study of Pravastatin in Elderly People at Risk (PROSPER)
• testosterone & risk of Alzheimer's disease