Research question and study design

We can help you to pinpoint your research questions and select the appropriate endpoints and study design. In addition, we perform a feasibility analysis to identify potential pitfalls in your study and provide a rough estimation of the study’s required size.

Sample size calculation and appropriate statistical methods

Sample size calculation is one of our cormpetencies. We develop a rough analysis plan for assessing the primary endpoint and perform a sample size calculation on the basis of the existing estimates. We do not simply present you with a number, but also provide a detailed description of how we derived it. Finally, we write the corresponding sections of the study protocol.

Analysis plan

We provide a detailed statistical analysis plan for all primary and secondary analyses, including descriptions of how the results will be presented. Pre-planning analyses is crucial to avoid bias.

Our expertise covers a wide range of statistical methods and machine learning tools:

Interim analyses and Data Safety Monitoring Board

While your study is running, we follow along and consult you on any issues that may arise. We carry out any pre-planned interim analyses and can provide an independent statistician on the data safety and monitoring board.

Final analyses, presentation of results and publications

After database closure, we usually perform a number of consistency checks on the data and perform any steps required to prepare the data for the intended analyses. All analyses are conducted as described in the statistical analysis plan. We provide you with the results in tables and graphs. We also give guidance on interpreting the results and write descriptions of the applied methods.

Moreover, as co-authors of the resulting manuscript, we take responsibility for writing the statistical paragraphs of your manuscript, providing publication-ready tables and figures, and handling all reviewer comments and requests regarding statistics.

Endanalysen, Ergebnisdarstellung und Publikation

Nach der Schliessung der Datenbank führen wir in der Regel eine Reihe von Konsistenzprüfungen der Daten durch. Danach bereiten wir die Daten, wenn nötig in mehreren Schritten, für die geplanten Analysen auf und führen diese wie im Analyseplan festgelegt durch. Wir stellen die Resultate in Tabellen und Grafiken zur Verfügung und unterstützen Sie bei der Interpretation der Ergebnisse und der Beschreibung der angewendeten Methoden.

Wir übernehmen als Co-Autoren für resultierende Manuskripte die Verantwortung für das Verfassen der statistischen Abschnitte, stellen publikationsfertige Tabellen und Abbildungen zur Verfügung und bearbeiten alle Kommentare und Anfragen der Gutachter bezüglich der Statistik.

Statistical Significance is dead – let’s embrace uncertainty 

A subject close to our hearts ...

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