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Maria E. Suarez-Almazor, MD, PhD

In this course, you will be introduced to basic statistics and study designs used in CER/PCOR and the ethical considerations to take into account when conducting CER/PCOR.

This introductorycourse includes 4 lectures:

  1. Basic Statistics for PCOR/CER I
  2. Basic Statistics for PCOR/CER II
  3. Ethics
  4. Introduction to Comparative Effectiveness and Patient-Centered Outcomes Research

This course is intended for anyone interested in CER/ PCOR methods.

This course is supported by grant number R25HS023214 from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Read more

In this course, you will be introduced to basic statistics and study designs used in CER/PCOR and the ethical considerations to take into account when conducting CER/PCOR.

This introductorycourse includes 4 lectures:

  1. Basic Statistics for PCOR/CER I
  2. Basic Statistics for PCOR/CER II
  3. Ethics
  4. Introduction to Comparative Effectiveness and Patient-Centered Outcomes Research

This course is intended for anyone interested in CER/ PCOR methods.

This course is supported by grant number R25HS023214 from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

What you'll learn

  • Describe basic statistical methods used for CER/PCOR
  • List ethical considerations for CER/PCOR
  • Define CER/PCOR and describe examples of each

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Describe basic statistical methods used for cer/pcor
  • List ethical considerations for cer/pcor
  • Define cer/pcor and describe examples of each

Syllabus

Basic Statistics for PCOR/CER I
Sampling methods
Stratification and controlling for bias and confounding
Study power
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches basic statistical methods used in Comparative Effectiveness and Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (CER/PCOR) research
Defines CER/PCOR while describing examples of each
Explores ethical considerations related to CER/PCOR research
Suitable for individuals interested in CER/PCOR methods or related fields

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Reviews summary

Clear introduction to cer/pcor methods

According to students, CERTaIN: CER/PCOR Methods: Introduction offers a largely positive and accessible entry point into Comparative Effectiveness and Patient-Centered Outcomes Research. Learners praise the course's ability to clearly explain complex statistical concepts and provide a solid theoretical foundation. The ethics module is consistently highlighted as insightful and well-structured. While many find the lectures engaging and well-paced, a minority of reviewers suggest that some statistical sections could benefit from more practical exercises or deeper dives, especially for those with prior quantitative backgrounds. Overall, it's considered a highly relevant and valuable resource for those new to the field, though it serves as an introduction rather than an exhaustive study.
Pacing and depth of statistical content varied for different learners.
"I found some of the statistical concepts moved a bit fast, and I wished there were more practice exercises or case studies..."
"While the content is valuable, I felt the lectures were sometimes a bit dry and relied heavily on theory without enough practical examples."
"I found the course somewhat basic in its statistical coverage for my needs, having a strong quantitative background."
"For absolute beginners, it might be a bit dense without prior exposure to some terminology."
Offers a strong theoretical base, suitable as an initial introduction.
"I highly recommend it for anyone looking to get a solid foundation in this field."
"The course provides a solid theoretical foundation. ...I think it serves its purpose as an introduction..."
"Solid foundational course. ...it truly is an introduction, so manage your expectations if you're looking for deep dives."
Provides a comprehensive and insightful look at research ethics.
"The ethical considerations module was particularly insightful and well-structured. I highly recommend it..."
"Very comprehensive for an introductory course. ...The ethics lecture was a standout."
"The ethical module was very good. I think it serves its purpose as an introduction..."
"I particularly valued the comprehensive overview of ethical considerations in research."
Excellent at breaking down complex topics into digestible parts.
"The instructors explained complex statistical concepts very clearly, making them accessible even for someone like me who hasn't dealt with stats in years."
"Very comprehensive for an introductory course. ...I appreciate how they broke down complex topics into digestible parts."
"The way they explained complex concepts like odds ratios and p-values was brilliant. Everything was logically organized..."
"The content is highly relevant and presented in an easy-to-understand manner. The instructors did an amazing job breaking down complex information."
Some found the lectures less interactive and wished for more engagement.
"I felt the lectures were sometimes a bit dry and relied heavily on theory without enough practical examples."
"It felt more like a series of lectures than an interactive learning experience. The information is there, but engagement was low."
"The lectures could be more interactive."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in CERTaIN: CER/PCOR Methods: Introduction with these activities:
Review Basic Statistics
Refresh your understanding of basic statistical concepts to strengthen your foundation for CER/PCOR.
Browse courses on Basic Statistics
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks on basic statistics
  • Complete online quizzes or practice exercises
Review Probability and Statistics
Help prepare for the section on Basic Statistics for PCOR/CER, particularly the portion on sampling methods.
Show steps
  • Review your notes or textbook chapters on probability and statistics.
  • Complete practice problems on probability and statistics.
Attend a CER/PCOR Conference
Expand your knowledge and network with experts in the field.
Show steps
  • Identify upcoming CER/PCOR conferences
  • Attend presentations and workshops
  • Engage with researchers and practitioners
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Create an inventory of statistical methods
The process of researching and compiling a list of statistical methods will reinforce your understanding of what methods exist and when they should be used.
Browse courses on Basic Statistics
Show steps
  • Identify and categorize statistical techniques and methods
  • Write a brief description of each statistical method
  • Provide examples of when and how to apply each statistical method
Practice Statistical Analysis
Strengthen your statistical skills through hands-on exercises and simulations.
Browse courses on Statistical Analysis
Show steps
  • Utilize online platforms or textbooks for practice problems
  • Analyze real-world datasets using statistical software
  • Interpret and draw conclusions from the results
Learn about p-values and confidence intervals
Following guided tutorials can help you understand the concepts of statistical significance, p-values, and confidence intervals more deeply.
Browse courses on Statistical Significance
Show steps
  • Find an online tutorial or course on p-values and confidence intervals
  • Follow the tutorial or course instructions
  • Complete any exercises or assignments
Collaborate on CER/PCOR Projects
Enhance your learning through collaboration and exchange of ideas.
Show steps
  • Identify potential collaborators
  • Develop a research proposal or project idea
  • Conduct the research and present the findings
Explore CER/PCOR Case Studies
Deepen your understanding by exploring real-world examples of CER/PCOR studies.
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources for CER/PCOR case studies
  • Analyze the methods, findings, and implications of each case study
  • Compare and contrast different study designs
Develop a CER/PCOR Resource List
Organize and share valuable resources to enhance your understanding and support future research.
Show steps
  • Gather online resources, articles, and studies related to CER/PCOR
  • Categorize and annotate the resources
  • Share the resource list with peers or publish it online
Design and conduct a comparative effectiveness study
Conducting a comparative study will help you in understanding how to design, execute, and analyze a comparative effectiveness research study.
Show steps
  • Identify a research question
  • Design the study, including the study population, intervention, and outcome measures
  • Conduct the study
  • Analyze the data
  • Interpret the results
Contribute to CER/PCOR Tools
Enhance your technical skills and contribute to the advancement of CER/PCOR research.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects related to CER/PCOR
  • Contribute code, documentation, or feature requests
  • Engage with the community of developers

Career center

Learners who complete CERTaIN: CER/PCOR Methods: Introduction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Biostatistician
As a Biostatistician, you will research, develop, and apply statistical methods to solve biomedical problems. Biostatisticians are involved in all stages of research, from designing studies to collecting and analyzing data to interpreting results. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in CER/PCOR, which will be essential for your success in this field.
Epidemiologist
As an Epidemiologist, you will investigate the distribution and patterns of health-related events and conditions in populations. Epidemiologists use statistical methods to analyze data and identify risk factors for disease. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in CER/PCOR, which will be essential for your success in this field.
Health Economist
As a Health Economist, you will apply economic principles to health care decisions. Health economists use statistical methods to analyze data and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different health care interventions. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in CER/PCOR, which will be essential for your success in this field.
Health Policy Analyst
As a Health Policy Analyst, you will develop and evaluate policies that affect the health care system. Health policy analysts use statistical methods to analyze data and identify trends in health care. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in CER/PCOR, which will be essential for your success in this field.
Medical Writer
As a Medical Writer, you will write and edit medical documents, such as research papers, clinical guidelines, and patient education materials. Medical writers use statistical methods to analyze data and communicate the results of research studies. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in CER/PCOR, which will be essential for your success in this field.
Clinical Research Associate
As a Clinical Research Associate, you will manage clinical trials and ensure that they are conducted safely and ethically. Clinical research associates use statistical methods to analyze data and track the progress of clinical trials. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in CER/PCOR, which will be essential for your success in this field.
Data Analyst
As a Data Analyst, you will use statistical methods to analyze data and identify trends and patterns. Data analysts are employed in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and marketing. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in CER/PCOR, which will be essential for your success in this field.
Program Manager
As a Program Manager, you will plan, implement, and evaluate programs. Program managers use statistical methods to track the progress of programs and identify areas for improvement. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in CER/PCOR, which will be essential for your success in this field.
Public Health Administrator
As a Public Health Administrator, you will develop and implement programs that protect and improve the health of populations. Public health administrators use statistical methods to analyze data and identify health risks. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in CER/PCOR, which will be essential for your success in this field.
Quality Improvement Specialist
As a Quality Improvement Specialist, you will work to improve the quality of healthcare services. Quality improvement specialists use statistical methods to measure and track quality indicators. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in CER/PCOR, which will be essential for your success in this field.
Research Scientist
As a Research Scientist, you will conduct research to advance scientific knowledge. Research scientists use statistical methods to analyze data and draw conclusions from their research. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in CER/PCOR, which will be essential for your success in this field.
Consultant
As a Consultant, you will provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. Consultants use statistical methods to analyze data and identify trends and patterns. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in CER/PCOR, which will be essential for your success in this field.
Manager
As a Manager, you will lead and motivate teams of employees. Managers use statistical methods to track the progress of their teams and identify areas for improvement. This course may provide you with some useful skills for success in this field, such as basic statistical methods and study design.
Teacher
As a Teacher, you will educate students in a variety of subjects. Teachers use statistical methods to track the progress of their students and identify areas for improvement. This course may provide you with some useful skills for success in this field, such as basic statistical methods and study design.
Writer
As a Writer, you will create written content for a variety of purposes. Writers use statistical methods to analyze data and communicate the results of their research. This course may provide you with some useful skills for success in this field, such as basic statistical methods and study design.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in CERTaIN: CER/PCOR Methods: Introduction.
Is considered the gold standard among works on academic writing. While it may not provide the immediately applicable information or insights as the other books on this list, it remains an evergreen text in the value it provides for teaching writing in any academic discipline.
Classic in the field of research ethics. It provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical principles that govern research involving human subjects, and it offers guidance on how to apply these principles to specific research studies.
Comprehensive textbook on the analysis of longitudinal data. It covers a wide range of topics, including growth curve models, mixed effects models, and survival analysis.
Has influenced more than a generation of statisticians and health researchers by providing a comprehensive overview of Bayesian statistics. While Bayesian approaches to causal inference are becoming more popular, the course itself does not go into this territory. This book convenient way for students to familiarize themselves with this topic should they choose to pursue it individually.
Highly-regarded book on causal inference. While it may be more advanced than what is needed for this course, it remains the gold standard for a broad overview on the topic.
Practical guide to developing health policy. It covers a wide range of topics, including the policy-making process, stakeholder engagement, and economic analysis.

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