THE CAMBRIDGE STATISTICS DISCUSSION GROUP
Monday 4th October 1999 7:15 for 7:45
Hopkinson Room,
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory, Pembroke Street, Cambridge
Ethics and Practice of Modern Clinical Trial Designs
Chris Palmer,
Department of Community Medicine,
University of Cambridge Institute of Public Health
Abstract: Last year duly celebrated 50 years since the publication of the
first randomised controlled trial. Methodological research by
ethically-motivated biostatisticians into alternative designs to the
traditional framework dates back just as far, yet practical examples of
such modern, data-dependent designs remain extremely rare. In this
(equation-free!) talk, reasons for their limited application are
discussed, along with suggestions for why, when and how they might be more
commonly invoked. It seems more than just a pity that, as we enter the new
millennium, traditional methods intended for agricultural studies and first
applied in the 1920's, should still dominate today's clinical trials.
Speaker: Chris Palmer's statistical career has evolved from the mathematical
to the applied end of the spectrum. After reading Maths at Oxford, his
PhD was in Mathematical Statistics at University of North Carolina, USA
with dissertation on an ethical clinical trials design. As post-doc at
Harvard's Biostatistics Department, he encountered real clinical trials.
His research continued while a lecturer at Reading University's Department
of Applied Statistics. The last eight years have been in Cambridge
University's Department of Community Medicine. In 1996, he founded the
Centre for Applied Statistics (CAMS), a small group of medical statisticians
undertaking consulting, collaborating and offering courses for clinical
researchers. He is currently European Office Acting Editor for Statistics
in Medicine.
Annual General Meeting: Chris's talk will be preceded by a brief
Annual General Meeting.
Directions: Enter the New Museums site through the arch from Pembroke Street.
Turn to the left in front of the building with the brown iron staircase
and pass through the passage way by the tree. Enter the lobby which is
straight in front of you and find the back entrance to the Computer Service
on the left. When inside follow the signs. It is not possible to park on
the New Museums site in the evening. The back entrance to the Computer Service
will be locked at 7:45.
Next Meetings:
25th November - Richard Wiseman on 'Investigating the Paranormal'
(University of Herts).
4th May - Jennifer Potts (CBU).
Supper: Some members eat regularly in the University Centre before
each meeting at 6-15. Feel free to join them.
Secretary: Peter Watson, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit,
15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 2EF;telephone 01223 355294 Extension 380;
E-mail [log in to unmask]
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