An overview of commonly used statistical methods in clinical research.

Creator(s)

Yuri V. Sebastião
Shawn D. St Peter, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2018

Identifier

DOI: 10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2018.10.008

Abstract

Statistics plays an essential role in clinical research by providing a framework for making inferences about a population of interest. In order to interpret research datasets, clinicians involved in clinical research should have an understanding of statistical methodology. This article provides a brief overview of statistical methods that are frequently used in clinical research studies. Descriptive and inferential methods, including regression modeling and propensity scores, are discussed, with focus on the rationale, assumptions, strengths, and limitations to their application.

Journal Title

Seminars in pediatric surgery

Volume

27

Issue

6

First Page

367

Last Page

374

MeSH Keywords

Biomedical Research; Clinical Trials as Topic; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Humans; Propensity Score; Regression Analysis; Research Design; Survival Analysis

Keywords

Descriptive statistics; Inferential statistics; Propensity scores; Regression analysis; Survival analysis

Recommended Citation

Sebastião YV, St Peter SD. An overview of commonly used statistical methods in clinical research. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2018;27(6):367-374. doi:10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2018.10.008