Study Design and Statistical Analysis: A Practical Guide for Clinicians

by Mitchell Katz

Overview

This book takes the reader through the entire research process: choosing a question, designing a study, collecting the data, using univariate, bivariate and multivariable analysis, and publishing the results. It does so by using plain language rather than complex derivations and mathematical formulas. It focuses on the nuts and bolts of performing research by asking and answering the most basic questions about doing research studies. Making good use of numerous tables, graphs and tips, this book helps to demystify the process. A generous number of up-to-date examples from the clinical literature give an illustrated and practical account of how to use multivariable analysis.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521534079
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/22/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	202
Product dimensions:	7.44(w) x 9.72(h) x 0.43(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Designing a study; 3. Data management; 4. Univariate statistics; 5. Bivariate statistics; 6. Multivariable statistics; 7. Sample size calculation; 8. Diagnostic and prognostic studies; 9. Limitations of statistics; 10. Special topics; 11. Writing up the study for publication; 12. Conclusion; Index.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: James C. Torner, PhD, MS (University of Iowa College of Public Health)
Description: This book provides a start to finish introduction to clinical research focusing on design and analysis. Other issues such as data management, aspects of bias, and publication complete the process. This book does not include statistical methods but addresses use of statistics to answer questions depending upon the type of data.
Purpose: The author's goal is to acquaint clinicians with clinical research methods. As a basic overview, it provides clinicians with the understanding of what is needed to bring an observation to publication. In general, the book fulfills the objective of increasing awareness of the clinical research process.
Audience: The book is addressed to clinicians who would like to understand the development and implementation of collecting and analyzing research data. It could also be used by other healthcare practitioners and public health workers to understand how clinical studies are designed and analyzed.
Features: The first of the book's four sections focuses on design, the next on data management, the next on statistics, and the last on dissemination through publication. The best aspect of the book is it provides the reader with the paradigm of conducting and understanding research methods. It uses a framework of examples and diagrams that illustrate the concept and methods. There are general references to other books, but specific references for individual topics are sparse.
Assessment: This book provides a starting point for clinicians, particularly those who might not be able to take a formal course in clinical research. It would be a good companion text for design or seminar type courses. It provides information to the clinician before consulting with an epidemiologist and biostatistician about what is expected and can be done in conducting research. There are more complete books and books with more analytical methods and questions, but this one provides a beginning for the clinician.

Doody's Review Service

"...Include a wealth of practical advice and could serve as a valuable addition to the statistical training of doctors."
Robert W. Hayden, Journal of Biopharmaceutical Statistics

"The book starts at the beginning of research itself, with advice on selecting a research question and comparisons of different study types and designs.... Biostatisticians might want to keep [Katz's] books on hand to lend to colleagues..."
Biometrics, March 2007

"The book succeeds in providing a comprehensive overview of the nuts and bolts of clinical research in a concise, readable package. The author presents information in a style that is light and enjoyable to read, and he excels at explaining tedious topics with a generous amount of appropriate anecdotes."
American College of Physicians, 2007, Halcyon Skinner, PhD, MPH - University of Wisconsin School of Medicine Public Health

"Succeeds in providing a comprehensive overview of the nuts and bolts of clinical research in a concise, readable package."
Annals of Internal Medicine

"The exposition... is greatly enhanced by the author's choice of excellent examples demonstrating many of the methodologies, including relevant tables and figures, culled and referenced from the clinical literature... a useful introduction to a novice investigator, especially for those with little access to a biostatistician."
Charles L. Liss, Merck Research Labs for The American Statistician

"This book is full of excellent practical advice. I would recommend this book to anyone who teaches statistics in the health sciences. They will find it most useful."
Daniel W. Byrne, Vanderbuilt University for Teaching Statistics in Health Sciences Newsletter

From the Publisher