STRengthening analytical thinking for observational studies: The STRATOS initiative

Willi Sauerbrei, Michal Abrahamowicz, Douglas G. Altman, Saskia le Cessie, James Carpenter, Michal Abrahamowicz, Per Kragh Andersen, Doug Altman, Heiko Becher, Harald Binder, Maria Blettner, Danielle Bodicoat, Patrick Bossuyt, James Carpenter, Raymond Carroll, Harbajan Chadha-Boreham, Gary Collins, Bianca De Stavola, Luc Duchateau, Stephen EvansLaurence Freedman, Mitchell Gail, Els Goetghebeur, Paul Gustafson, Frank Harrell, Marianne Huebner, Carolin Jenkner, Victor Kipnis, Helmut Kuechenhoff, Saskia le Cessie, Kate Lee, Petra Macaskill, Erica Moodie, Neil Pearce, Catherine Quantin, Joerg Rahnenfuehrer, Patrick Royston, Willi Sauerbrei, Martin Schumacher, Peggy Sekula, Len Stefanski, Ewout Steyerberg, Terry Therneau, Kate Tilling, Werner Vach, Andrew Vickers, Sholom Wacholder, Ingeborg Waernbaum, Ian White, Mark Woodward

50 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

The validity and practical utility of observational medical research depends critically on good study design, excellent data quality, appropriate statistical methods and accurate interpretation of results. Statistical methodology has seen substantial development in recent times. Unfortunately, many of these methodological developments are ignored in practice. Consequently, design and analysis of observational studies often exhibit serious weaknesses. The lack of guidance on vital practical issues discourages many applied researchers from using more sophisticated and possibly more appropriate methods when analyzing observational studies. Furthermore, many analyses are conducted by researchers with a relatively weak statistical background and limited experience in using statistical methodology and software. Consequently, even 'standard' analyses reported in the medical literature are often flawed, casting doubt on their results and conclusions. An efficient way to help researchers to keep up with recent methodological developments is to develop guidance documents that are spread to the research community at large. These observations led to the initiation of the strengthening analytical thinking for observational studies (STRATOS) initiative, a large collaboration of experts in many different areas of biostatistical research. The objective of STRATOS is to provide accessible and accurate guidance in the design and analysis of observational studies. The guidance is intended for applied statisticians and other data analysts with varying levels of statistical education, experience and interests.In this article, we introduce the STRATOS initiative and its main aims, present the need for guidance documents and outline the planned approach and progress so far. We encourage other biostatisticians to become involved.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftStatistics in Medicine
Vol/bind33
Udgave nummer30
Sider (fra-til)5413-5432
Antal sider20
ISSN0277-6715
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 30 dec. 2014

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