title: Influence of study goals on study design and execution.
abstract: From the viewpoint of a clinician who makes recommendations to patients about choosing from the multiple possible management schemes, quantitative information derived from statistical analyses of observational studies is useful. Although random assignment of therapy is optimal, appropriately performed studies in which therapy has been nonrandomly "assigned" are considered acceptable, albeit occasionally with limitations in inferences. The analyses are considered most useful when they generate multivariable equations suitable for predicting time-related outcomes in individual patients. Graphic presentations improve communication with patients and facilitate truly informed consent.
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Surgery 35294-0007, USA.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Kirklin
authors.forename: E H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Blackstone
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Naftel
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Turner
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012107:Research Design; D012306:Risk