Epoch: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
CSV import Tag: Reverted |
||
| Line 32: | Line 32: | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
{{No image}} | {{No image}} | ||
__NOINDEX__ | |||
Revision as of 11:31, 17 March 2025
Epoch (medicine)
An epoch in medicine refers to a particular period in the course of a disease or the life of a person. It is a term often used in clinical trials to denote specific time periods during which certain procedures or observations are made.
Definition
In the context of medicine, an epoch is a specific period of time in the course of a disease, the life of a person, or a clinical study. It is a term often used in clinical trials to denote specific time periods during which certain procedures or observations are made.
Use in Clinical Trials
In clinical trials, epochs are used to structure the study design. Each epoch represents a distinct period in the trial, with specific procedures or observations assigned to it. For example, a trial might be divided into a screening epoch, a treatment epoch, and a follow-up epoch.
Screening Epoch
The screening epoch is the initial period of a clinical trial, during which potential participants are assessed for eligibility. This may involve medical history reviews, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests.
Treatment Epoch
The treatment epoch is the period during which participants receive the intervention being studied. This could be a drug, a medical device, a surgical procedure, or a behavioral intervention.
Follow-up Epoch
The follow-up epoch is the period after the intervention has been delivered, during which the effects of the intervention are monitored. This may involve regular check-ups, tests, and questionnaires.
Use in Medicine
In medicine, the term epoch can also refer to a specific period in the course of a disease or the life of a person. For example, the term "neonatal epoch" refers to the first 28 days of life, while the "infant epoch" refers to the first year of life.
