Guidance for biostatisticians on their essential contributions to clinical and translational research protocol review

Jody D. Ciolino, Cathie Spino, Walter T. Ambrosius, Shokoufeh Khalatbari, Shari Messinger Cayetano, Jodi A. Lapidus, Paul J. Nietert, Robert A. Oster, Susan M. Perkins, Brad H. Pollock, Gina Maria Pomann, Lori Lyn Price, Todd W. Rice, Tor D. Tosteson, Christopher J. Lindsell, Heidi Spratt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Rigorous scientific review of research protocols is critical to making funding decisions, and to the protection of both human and non-human research participants. Given the increasing complexity of research designs and data analysis methods, quantitative experts, such as biostatisticians, play an essential role in evaluating the rigor and reproducibility of proposed methods. However, there is a common misconception that a statistician’s input is relevant only to sample size/power and statistical analysis sections of a protocol. The comprehensive nature of a biostatistical review coupled with limited guidance on key components of protocol review motived this work. Members of the Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Special Interest Group of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science used a consensus approach to identify the elements of research protocols that a biostatistician should consider in a review, and provide specific guidance on how each element should be reviewed. We present the resulting review framework as an educational tool and guideline for biostatisticians navigating review boards and panels. We briefly describe the approach to developing the framework, and we provide a comprehensive checklist and guidance on review of each protocol element. We posit that the biostatistical reviewer, through their breadth of engagement across multiple disciplines and experience with a range of research designs, can and should contribute significantly beyond review of the statistical analysis plan and sample size justification. Through careful scientific review, we hope to prevent excess resource expenditure and risk to humans and animals on poorly planned studies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere161
JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 31 2021

Keywords

  • Biostatistician
  • Protocol
  • Review
  • Scientific rigor
  • Translational research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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