retrospective study

Ant.: prospective study. A study in which the investigators do ex-post analysis of the outcomes in a group of subjects selected on the basis of their exposure to a given intervention or factor. Note: This type of study is more subject to bias than are prospective studies. Case-control studies are always retrospective, cohort studies sometimes are, and randomized controlled trials never are.


and • provides information on costs and financial impact. Note 2: The report may optionally discuss organisational considerations. Note 3: A “mini-HTA” may be as rigorous as an HTA report but typically has a restricted scope and so is quicker to produce. Note 4: Related terms include health technology, HTA report, rapid review, level of evidence