Overview
Statistical support during the data collection phase of a study can be crucial. Situations often arise where a statistician should be consulted to ensure that the study remains unbiased, such as:
- Issues with randomization and adherence to randomized group
- Issues with deviations from protocol that deal with data collection
- How to handle situations of higher than expected drop-out rates
- Reassessment of sample size justification when accrual is not meeting the time-line goal
The following requirements are necessary to be able to receive assistance from BERD (Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design) for an ongoing study:
- Human or animal health related study topic.
- At least one of the key personnel on the study is a researcher with an appointment in a department of the UW School Medicine and Public Health or School of Veterinarian Medicine.
- The study is internally funded through UW-based grants, internal department funds, or researcher specific funds. Externally funded projects are expected to have had a statistician in the budget and presumably working on the project already. Some exceptions may be made if the external funding award is quite small.
- The required work by the assigned BERD statistician does not exceed a yearly effort of 5% FTE.