Publication Characteristics

Observational Study

A work that reports on the results of a clinical study in which participants may receive diagnostic, therapeutic, or other types of interventions, but the investigator does not assign participants to specific interventions (as in an interventional study).

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A work that reports on the results of a clinical study in which participants may receive diagnostic, therapeutic, or other types of interventions, but the investigator does not assign participants to specific interventions (as in an interventional study).

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Natural Experiment
  • Natural Experiment Study
  • Naturalistic Observation Study

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

this heading is used as a Publication Type; for original report of the conduct or results of a specific observational study; a different heading OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES AS TOPIC is used for general design, methodology, economics, etc. of observational studies

MeSH Record

History Note

2014

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. V03.175.500

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Observational Study. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D064888. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D064888
  2. Observational Study. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131359749