Preston, Nancy and Grande, Gunn and Fayers, P. and Pilling, M. and Higginson, I. J. and Short, V. and Anscombe, E. and Evans, C. and Benalia, H. (2012) MORECare research methods guidance development : recommendations for statistical methods in palliative and end of life care research. Palliative Medicine, 26 (4): OA42. pp. 416-417. ISSN 0269-2163
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
Aims: To identify agreed best practice for statistical methods in palliative and end of life (P&EoLC) research. Background: Carrying out statistical analysis in P&EoLC research can be problematic due to high levels of missing data and attrition as patients’ disease progresses. Methods: We used the MORECare Transparent Expert Consultation approach to conduct consultation workshops with experts in statistical methods in P&EoLC research. Prior to workshops participants were sent overviews of pertinent issues in statistical methods in P&EoLC. Following workshop presentations and discussion, nominal group techniques were used to produce candidate recommendations. These were subsequently rated online by participating experts. Descriptive statistics were employed to permit analysis of consensus and rated importance. Narrative comments were collated. Results: The statistical methods expert workshop comprised 20 participants making 19 recommendations. There was broad agreement across most recommendations, the top 5 recommendations were: 1. Types and amount of missing data should be reported along with imputation methods. 2. Pattern of missing data should be investigated to inform imputation method. 3. A statistical analysis plan should be in place. 4. A taxonomy should be devised to define types of attrition. 5. Use of transition questions and minimally important difference approach provides insight into response shift. Conclusions: When designing studies in P&EoLC it is recommended that high rates of attrition should not be seen as indicative of poor design and that a clear statistical analysis plan is in place to account for missing data and attrition. More research is required in statistical methods to assess these areas but also develop the emerging area of response shift.