Labenz, J. and Kunz, Cornelia (2010) Das ABC der medizinischen Statistik [The ABC's of medical statistics. Reading and understanding clinical trials]. Der Internist, Vol.51 (No.4). pp. 489-500. doi:10.1007/s00108-010-2581-x

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Abstract

Clinical trials test hypotheses that are accepted or rejected according to a predetermined probability of error (level of significance). Significance does not however mean relevance. Good parameters of relevance are absolute risk reduction and based on this the calculation of the number of patients who need to be treated for one additional patient to benefit. The randomized controlled trial is the gold standard for comparative evaluation of effects. In the ideal scenario it is designed so that a difference established by statistical methods becomes probable. In non-inferiority studies care should be taken that no equivalence is shown but rather that the difference is not greater than a predefined margin of error for differences. Meta-analyses of studies with similar endpoints have the potential to improve the level of evidence. Since the findings of meta-analyses depend on the studies included, critical assessment of the results is essential.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Journal or Publication Title:	Der Internist
Publisher:	Springer
ISSN:	0020-9554
Official Date:	April 2010
Dates:	Date Event April 2010 Published
Volume:	Vol.51
Number:	No.4
Page Range:	pp. 489-500
DOI:	10.1007/s00108-010-2581-x
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access

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