Starship Clinical RESEARCH Biostatistics Service
RESEARCH support hub staff are here to help investigators with the identification of relevant resources, connect with experts, and understand processes and best practices for performing research at Starship.
Study design and planning
We provide advice on the most efficient, valid and feasible study design (cohort, case control, prospective, retrospective, cross sectional, randomized clinical trial, etc.) as well as advice on:
appropriate selection of the sample from the target population
choice of control group(s)
strategies for recruitment and retention
data collection methods
database design
Statistical analysis
Analyses of study data, the interpretation of statistical analysis results including interpretation of previously published results as well as results of ongoing analyses. This includes guidance on and development of:
statistical result presentation
interim or final data analyses
In addition, we provide support for analyses issues that are unique to:
qualitative studies (advice on how to analyze qualitative data including transcribing and coding of focus groups and interviews)
survey research (data analysis from complex survey design, including the use of post-survey adjustments and post-stratification weights)
Manuscript preparation
We provide a contribution to the writing of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals and preparation of abstracts and presentations for scientific meetings.
Education (1:1 session is available or as part of project review)
an understanding of the purpose/intent of the method
an understanding of when/under what circumstances the method is applicable
an ability to interpret the method’s results, in context
an ability to critically evaluate the scientific literature where the method is used
an ability to use the method with guidance from a biostatistician, when appropriate
Organising data in Microsoft Excel
See attached slides for instructions on how to organise data in Microsoft Excel.