Course: Statistical methods for evidence synthesis of individual participant data

Lecturer: Richard D. Riley, Professor of Biostatistics

Date: 2^nd – 3^rd December, 2015

Location: Keele University

Aims of the course:

This two-day course will introduce participants to the fundamental statistical methods and principles for evidence synthesis and meta-analysis when IPD (Individual Participant/Patient Data) are available from multiple related studies. The course will consider continuous, binary and time-to-event outcomes, and both fixed-effect and random-effects meta-analysis models. Day 1 will focus mainly on the synthesis of IPD from randomised trials of interventions, where the aim is to quantify a treatment effect (usually in the presence of between-study heterogeneity) or to identify treatment effect modifiers (interactions) for stratified medicine. Day 2 will focus on IPD methods for an evidence synthesis of observational studies, where the aim is to identify prognostic factors or to develop/validate a risk prediction (prognostic) model. Novel topics will be covered, such as how to combine IPD and aggregate data from non-IPD studies, and multivariate meta-analysis methods that jointly synthesise multiple correlated effects (e.g. from multiple outcomes, or multiple time-points).

The key messages will be illustrated with real examples throughout, and participants will conduct a variety of IPD analyses within STATA, to practise the key methods and reinforce the learning points. The course assumes an understanding of core medical statistics topics, such as regression methods (such as linear, logistic, and Cox) and parameter estimation. A familiarity with traditional aggregate data (non-IPD) meta-analysis methods would be advantageous, though not essential. Participants should bring a laptop with STATA 12 or above, or identify another attendee who has STATA to work alongside during the practical. The course is written and delivered by Prof Richard Riley, an expert in evidence synthesis and meta-analysis methods using IPD.

Cost: Student £400; Academic (public sector) £550; Industry (commercial) £750

(Includes one nights accommodation, lunch on both days and a pub meal on the evening of the 2nd)

To register for the course please click on the below link and complete the registration form:

https://docs.google.com/a/keele.ac.uk/forms/d/1p36hK9HfnDPuggWK5WRFsjsudRGlTlnmEtpLzl5aXds/viewform

A course website will be available in due course with details of learning objectives and a course timetable.

If you have queries, please do not hesitate to contact either myself ([log in to unmask]) or Prof Riley ([log in to unmask]).

Best wishes,

Joie Ensor

Research Associate in Biostatistics

Research Institute of Primary Care and Health Sciences

Keele University

Staffordshire

ST5 5BG

Tel: +44(0)1782 733908

Email: [log in to unmask]