Biostatistics Unit

Services

The Biostatistics Unit provides a wide spectrum of services:

1. Research design to ensure the integrity of the research protocol, including:
   • guidance on preparation of grant proposals
   • identification of the most efficient design and planning of research studies
   • assistance with devising effective sampling strategies
   • help with sample size determination and power calculations, and
   • hypothesis development
2. Central telephone randomization service:
   • service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
   • methods of randomization available:
     unrestricted: simple randomization
     restricted: block randomization
                        stratified randomization
   • examination of the distributional properties of the sequence prior to first allocation
   • full documentation provided
3. Case Report Form (CRF) design and development:
   • provide assistance designing the CRF
   • develop and thoroughly test the CRF prior to use
   • data base designed to accommodate data collected on the CRF
4. Data management services:
   • data entry
     - completed forms are faxed to a secure computer at the Biostatistics Unit for data entry
     - faxed data forms can be received 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
     - data entry usually takes place the next business day
     - data are entered while the original CRF remains at the clinical site (no
        postage costs, no CRFs get lost in transport, CRFs remain in a secure
        location, photocopying of CRF is not necessary)
   • data Cleaning
     - query resolution takes place while study is ongoing
     - clean database ensured shortly after study completion
     
   • periodic data management update reports are provided to investigator
5. Data analysis using standard statistical techniques and powerful state-of-the-art methods, including:
   • advice on what software to use
   • tabular and graphical representation of data
   • analysis using routine and advanced statistical procedures
   • examination of model assumptions through diagnostic tests
6. Interpretation of results: interpretation of statistical analyses to enhance communication of the results in a clear, meaningful way, including:
   • clear descriptions of methods used to analyze the data
   • detailed reporting of the analysis results
   • assistance with report writing for granting agencies
   • assistance with manuscript preparation
7. Short courses and workshops: customized short courses and workshops on various statistical topics, including:
   • Bayesian methods
   • meta-analysis methods
   • writing workshops
   • statistical consulting
   • multivariate statistical methods