Short course: Introduction to Statistics in Clinical Trials
The Council Room, Trent Building, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD
Overview
This three-day course introduces the basic statistical concepts and methods commonly used in medical research. The course offers a comprehensive introduction to data types, methods of summarising and presenting data, and choice and interpretation of comparisons between groups using statistical tests, p-values and confidence intervals. Mathematical formulae are kept to a minimum. The course integrates theory with practical examples and activities to ensure understanding of key principles.
Most practical work during the course will be paper based, however, some examples will be demonstrated using Stata and there will be an optional computer practical session using Stata to implement the principles learnt each day. All delegates wishing to join the optional computer practical must bring a lap-top with Stata installed. We can provide temporary licenses for those who do not have Stata.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:
- discuss the role of statistical methods in randomised trials
- describe the various types of data and how they are summarised using appropriate displays, tabulations and summaries
- explain sampling variation and the role of statistical methods in quantifying variation, setting confidence limits, and testing hypotheses
- select and use appropriate statistical methods in the analysis of simple datasets
- interpret output from statistical analyses
- identify the information required to perform a basic sample size calculation and be able to perform simple sample size calculations
- explain the concepts of correlation, linear regression and logistic regression
- recognise different types of outcomes and be able to select and perform appropriate statistical analysis for the type of outcome and study design
Further Details
During the 3 days of the course, the following topics are covered:
- Introduction to quantitative research and types of data
- Summarising and displaying data
- Sampling and standard errors
- Hypothesis testing and p-values
- Confidence intervals
- Comparing two means
- Comparing two proportions
- Introduction to correlation, linear regression and logistic regression
- Sample size estimation
- Application of statistical methods for analyses of clinical trials data and interpretation of results from the applied statistical methods
The majority of examples used in this course are based on randomised controlled trials, but the concepts can be readily applied to other study designs.
Is this course for you?
The course is designed for anyone who requires an understanding of basic concepts of statistical analyses. The training is intended to introduce non-statisticians working in clinical research to statistical methods for the design and analysis of clinical trials and to help them interpret published research and undertake their own research studies.
Course tutors
Cost
Early Bird rate
Standard rate
What does the course include?
All printed course materials will be provided in delegate packs at the start of the course.
Delegates will receive a certificate of attendance at the end of the course.
Light refreshments will be provided in the morning before the course begins and for morning and afternoon breaks. Lunch will also be provided.