Study planned in advance of data collection. Considered to be more reliable than retrospective studies, because potentially confounding variables can be better controlled when the study question is known before data is collected. Compare: Retrospective study.
In epidemiology a cohort study.
An inquiry planned to observe events that have not yet occurred; compare with a retrospective study which is planned to examine events which have already occurred.
A forward-looking review of a group of individuals in relation to morbidity.
Research in which patients are studied from their first contact with a doctor or hospital regarding their illness as opposed to a retrospective study, in which case notes are analyzed for a group of patients already treated or under treatment. The advantage is that before the study is undertaken, decisions can be made on what criteria determine who should enter the study, what information to collect and how many patients are needed to provide a meaningful result. The results of prospective studies are regarded as likely to be far more accurate than those from retrospective studies, where missing data and both researcher and patient bias can colour the results.
A clinical or epidemiological investigation of patients or subjects that begins with a specific environmental, medical, social event, or intervention and records the consequences of that event to a fixed date or conclusion.
A scientific investigation that collects data as they accumulate and analyzes the results after they have accrued. Prospective studies in which both the investigators and the research subjects are unaware of treatment assignments are considered among the most meaningful in health care.
A type of research study in which participants are followed over time for the effect(s) of a health care treatment.