title: What is propensity score modelling?
abstract: Propensity score methodology is being increasingly used to try and make inferences about treatments when randomised trials are either impossible or not conducted and the only data are from observational studies. This paper reviews the basis of propensity scores and the current state of knowledge about them. It uses and critiques a current paper in theEmergency Medicine Journalto illustrate the methodology.
authors.affiliation: Design, Trials and Statistics, ScHARR, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK m.j.campbell@sheffield.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000473:pathology*; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D011312:Pressure; D057216:Propensity Score; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014839:Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords: Statistics; anaesthesia; research methods