The planning of a clinical trials workshop.

The groundwork involved in the planning and running of a Clinical Trials Workshop using a computerized simulation exercise called 'Instant Experience' is described in detail. 2. Groups of six or seven students, each with an experienced tutor, are set the problem of designing a clinical trial protocol for a given drug. By using a computer programme, results can be generated for these designs according to pre-set rules laid down by the organizers. 3. The game itself acts as a vehicle for emphasizing the practical and theoretical problems associated with clinical trials. Further valuable information can be imparted during the group discussion periods when the trial design is being developed and during analysis of the results. 4. Limitations of this type of workshop include the need for students to have a working knowledge of clinical medicine and pharmacology, the competence of the tutors and organizers and the technical problems associated with computers and a comparatively rigid computer programme. 5. The value of this type of workshop lies in its ability to allow students to apply themselves to practical problems in clinical trials and to make mistakes with no harm to the patient.