Research Design, Statistics and Outcomes Research Services
Research Design, Statistics and Outcomes Research Services provides assistance and support to faculty, residents and graduate students in their research activities. The goal is to select the most efficient design coupled with the most powerful analysis to test the hypothesis. In the planning stage, guidance can be provided in focusing the research question to a testable hypothesis, selecting an appropriate and feasible experimental or observational design, specifying the analytical strategy, and calculating the sample size requirements. In the data analysis stage, guidance can be provided on exploratory and final analysis including generous use of graphics and diagnostics to verify assumptions, locate outliers, and visualize associations as part of standard statistical analysis. The office also has ongoing interactions with other statisticians in the university to facilitate more specialized consultation as warranted. The office does not have capability of either data entry or data management at this time.
The outcomes research services includes both assistance and review of protocols examining the impact of disease or treatment on the individual and the cost to society. Examples of such research include
- Phase IV studies on safety and effectiveness of treatment
- Studies of health care delivery systems on functional status, quality of life and cost.
It is important to emphasize outcomes research, which dates back to the 1970s, does not encompass phase II or phase III clinical trials. The director of the office works closely with the Center for Healthcare Effectiveness Research which includes a pharmoeconomist and health economist.
Cynthia Arfken, Ph.D.
Director
UPC Jefferson Research
Phone: (313) 993-3490