[Randomized and controlled single-case study--a scientific method for individual and difficult therapy decisions in clinical practice exemplified with methotrexate use in asthma]

Publication

[Randomized and controlled single-case study--a scientific method for individual and difficult therapy decisions in clinical practice exemplified with methotrexate use in asthma]

Journal Paper/Review - Oct 22, 1991

Osterwalder Joseph, Knoblauch A

Units

Notfallzentrum

PubMed

1947550

Citation

Osterwalder J, Knoblauch A. [Randomized and controlled single-case study--a scientific method for individual and difficult therapy decisions in clinical practice exemplified with methotrexate use in asthma]. Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax. 1991; 80:1168-72.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (Deutsch)

Journal

Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax. 1991; 80

Publication Date

Oct 22, 1991

Issn Print

1013-2058

Pages

1168-72

Brief description/objective

For various reasons, optimal individual therapies cannot always be derived from monitored, large-scale random studies. This applies particularly to delicate decisions on the treatment of chronically ill patients. In such situations, random, controlled and "double-blind" individual case studies with "cross-over" can be a solution. The procedure is adjusted to suit the individual patient. In many two-part treatment phases, the patient receives the active medication and an alternative/placebo. The sequence is adapted to the randomization. Neither patient nor doctor knows what the preparations are. The aims of the study are primarily oriented towards the wellbeing of the individual patient. The problems of individual optimization of therapy in practice are presented, as are the individual case study methods. Their potential application and limits and their value are discussed and illustrated by means of an actual case study.