Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Biostatistics Applied to Palliative Care Research
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English,
Teaching staff
Introduction
This subject is aimed at equipping students with the biostatistics tools necessary to critically evaluate the methodology of research articles in Palliative Care, as well as to provide them with knowledge in biostatistics techniques so that they can design and carry out research projects in the field of PC.
In PC, phenomena subject to variability are studied. From their clinical observation, answers are sought that require the measurement of data and variables, organization, and systematization, in order to subsequently postulate laws and extrapolate the obtained results to the entire study population, thereby drawing conclusions for better clinical practice. Biostatistics is the science that, with scientific rigor, provides us with the quantitative tools to carry out these tasks. Moreover, it is essential for performing an analysis and critical reading of the scientific literature, with the aim of promoting clinical practice based on scientific evidence.
Pre-course requirements
Prerequisites:
This subject is closely related to the subject on Project Design and Research Ethics in Palliative Care.
Objectives
● Understand the Fundamental Statistical Methodologies:
To know and assimilate the basic concepts and principles of the statistical methodologies applied to research in Palliative Care, with special emphasis on their relationship with the main study designs, both observational and experimental.
● Evaluate the Relevance of a Statistical Analysis:
To develop the ability to critically and well-foundedly discern whether a proposed analysis is coherent and appropriate according to the study design and the research question posed.
● Select and Justify Statistical Tests:
To provide students with a conceptual framework that allows them to identify, select, and justify the use of statistical tests and analysis strategies that align with the objectives and characteristics of research projects.
● Integrate Statistics into Research Planning:
To foster the ability to propose solid and coherent analytical approaches that contribute to the development of research projects and the critical interpretation of scientific evidence in the field of Palliative Care, without delving into technical or programming details.
● Promote Critical Reading of the Literature:
To encourage the ability to interpret and critically evaluate the statistical results presented in the scientific literature, facilitating their application in the design and development of research projects in the field of Palliative Care.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN06 - Describe the principles and methods of advanced PC research.
- CP02 - Apply the principles of intellectual honesty and scientific integrity in the professional field of PCs.
- CP06 - Generate advanced research work or innovation in the field of palliative care.
- CP08 - Communicate palliative care research results to specialized and non-specialized audiences.
Syllabus
Week 1: Fundamentals and Cross-Sectional Design in Research
● Introduction to Conceptual Biostatistics:
○ Definition of variables, population, and sample.
○ Basic principles of descriptive analysis: measures of central tendency, dispersion, and graphical representation (conceptual approach).
● Cross-Sectional Design in Research:
○ Characteristics, applications, and limitations of cross-sectional studies, as well as the main analysis strategies.
○ Examples of cases in Palliative Care where cross-sectional designs are applied.
● Conceptual Integration:
○ Relationship between statistical foundations and the choice of methodologies in observational studies, framed within the EQUATOR guidelines.
Week 2: Advanced Observational Studies – Cohorts and Other Approaches
● Design of Cohort Studies:
○ Definition and characteristics of cohort studies: follow-up, measurement of variables, and analysis of associations.
○ Advantages and limitations in the context of research in Palliative Care.
● Other Observational Designs (brief mention):
○ Introduction to case-control studies, highlighting conceptual differences with cross-sectional and cohort studies.
● Conceptual Analysis Strategies:
○ Outlining analytical pathways: how to select statistical tests based on the observational design.
○ Practical examples to evaluate the coherence of statistical analysis in observational studies.
Week 3: Experimental Design and Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT)
● Conceptual Selection of Statistical Tests in RCT:
○ Focus on the integration of statistical analyses based on the experimental design.
○ Discussion on the coherence and relevance of the analytical pathways in clinical trials.
● Practical Application and Integration with the TFM:
○ Examples of outlining analytical strategies in experimental projects.
○ Reflection on how to integrate the learned concepts into the design of the research protocol or the TFM.
- Introduction to Conceptual Biostatistics:
- Cross-Sectional Design in Research:
- Conceptual Integration:
- Design of Cohort Studies:
- Other Observational Designs (brief mention)
- Conceptual Analysis Strategies
- Conceptual Selection of Statistical Tests in RCT
- Practical Application and Integration with the TFM
Evaluation systems and criteria
Online
● Clarity and Coherence:
The ability to articulate ideas clearly and logically will be valued, demonstrating that the proposed analysis is consistent with the study design and the research question.
● Integration of Concepts:
The skill to relate theoretical foundations with the conceptual application of statistical methodologies will be evaluated, evidencing an integrated understanding of the subject matter.
● Critical Thinking:
The ability to critically analyze the strengths and limitations of different methodological approaches and the relevance of the selected analytical strategy will be highlighted.
● Active Participation:
Engagement in discussion forums and the quality of contributions will be considered essential to foster collaborative learning and joint reflection.
● Practical Application:
The ability to translate theoretical concepts into the formulation of concrete analytical pathways that make sense in the context of a research project in Palliative Care will be valued.
Bibliography and resources
Armitage P, Berry G. Estadística para la investigación biomédica. 3ª ed. Barcelona: Harcourt Brace; 1997.
Campbell MJ, Machin D, Walters SJ. Medical Statistics: A Textbook for the Health Sciences. 4ª ed. Oxford: John Wiley & Sons; 2007.
Hulley SB, Cummings SR, Browner WS, Grady DG, Newman TB. Designing Clinical Research. 3ª ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007.