EuroCoord methodology subgroup
Accurate and appropriate statistical analyses
of the data collected from participating cohorts and clinics are
fundamental to the success of the ongoing research agenda in
EuroCoord. Due to the inherent complexities of cohort data, it is
essential that statistical methodology is constantly reviewed and
developed. This will help to ensure that these analyses use the
most appropriate techniques available to address clinically
relevant questions.
The EuroCoord methodology subgroup focuses on
promising new developments in statistical methodology which aim to
maximise precision and minimise bias. These methods are explored
and discussed at regular teleconferences. A methodology symposium,
which took place in London in December 2011, allowed the group to
have more in depth discussions on statistical methods that are in
current use or that are being developed within EuroCoord.
During this meeting, the group announced that
they will provide a methodology service to investigators across the
participating networks. This service will be accessible to any
researcher within EuroCoord who would like methodology input either
on a proposal, draft manuscript or final manuscript. Furthermore,
when proposals are circulated within the networks, if a subgroup
member believes the proposal would benefit from input from other
methodologists, they will recommend this as an option to the
authors of the proposal.
The methodology advisory service will offer
ongoing support to the researchers of EuroCoord and add to the
quality and scientific reliability of papers issued from the
collaboration. Anybody within EuroCoord who would like to use this
service is advised to contact their network representative in the
first instance:
|
Network
|
Methodology
subgroup contact
|
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CASCADE
|
Rodolphe Thiebaut, Université Victor Segalen
Bordeaux 2, France ; Giota Touloumi, National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Greece
|
|
COHERE
|
Jonathan Sterne, University of Bristol, UK;
Dominique Costagliola, Institut National de la Santé et de la
Recherche Médicale, France
|
|
EuroSIDA
|
Alessandro Cozzi-Lepri, University College
London, UK; Daniel Grint, University College London, UK
|
|
PENTA
|
Jonathan Bleier, MRC Clinical Trials Unit, UK;
Olivia Keiser, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine,
University of Bern, Switzerland
|
To facilitate this dialogue, a methodology
discussion forum will also be established to allow free exchange of
ideas and expertise. More information on this will be coming
soon.
If you would like to contact the Methodology
subgroup, please [email us].