2010 ARM: Seminars in HSR Methods
AcademyHealth's pre-conference seminars in health services research methods were held in conjunction with the 2010 AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting (ARM). The seminars are ideal for those who wish to develop their skills.
For additional methods training, visit the AcademyHealth training and professional development page.
Sponsored Methods Seminars
Friday, June 25, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Using Medicare Data for Comparative Effectiveness Research
Faculty: Marshall McBean, University of Minnesota
Sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
SOLD OUT - email Tracie Howard to be added to the waiting list.
Friday, June 25, 1:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
- Understanding and Analyzing Ambulatory Health Care Data - the NAMCS & NHAMCS
Faculty: Don Cherry, National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
Sponsored by NCHS
Description: The overall goal of the workshop is to provide a general overview of two records-based surveys of ambulatory medical care, the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). The NAMCS collects data on physician office visits and community health centers, while the NHAMCS collects data on hospital outpatient and emergency department visits.
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Regular Methods Seminars
Friday, June 25, 1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Qualitative Analysis
Faculty: Kelly Devers, Urban Institute
Description: In this seminar, participants will learn how to carry out rigorous qualitative data analysis (QDA), taking them from raw data to results. Topics include: handling and managing qualitative data; the key steps, strategies, and techniques involved; pros and cons of software use, and if interested in using, how to select and learn a particular software package; and, writing about QDA for various audiences. Some hands on exercises are used to illustrate and learn key techniques, like coding. The seminar is intended for anyone interested in these topics, whether trying QDA for the first time or those wanting to sharpen skills or get a more formal introduction to these subjects.
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Saturday, June 26, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Measurement Techniques and Perspectives on Quality Improvement
Faculty: Shirley Moore, Case Western Reserve University
Description: This intermediate level course will provide an update and examples of current approaches to measurement in quality improvement. And, will address: (1) the differentiation of quality improvement and traditional health services research measurement methods; (2) the application and tailoring of rigorous health services research methods to quality improvement research; and (3) measurement of contextual factors frequently associated with quality improvement research. The panel will include leading experts to present and lead an audience discussion on measurement methods; challenges of real-world, action research; statistical process control and time-series design; and implications of organizational and other contextual factors.
Level: Intermediate
- Pragmatic Trials in Comparative Effectiveness Research
Faculty: Penny Mohr and Danielle Whicher from the Center for Medical Technology Policy; Merrick Zwarenstein, Centre for Health Services Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, and the Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences, University of Toronto; Kalipso Chalkidou, National Institutes for Health and Clinical Excellence; Marc Berger, Eli Lilly & Company
Description: Patients, clinicians, payers and policymakers are increasingly interested in understanding the comparative and “real world” effectiveness of drugs, devices and pharmaceuticals, and note that traditional clinical trials often do not provide the type of evidence needed to guide clinical and coverage decision making surrounding. Pragmatic Clinical Trials (PCTs) are prospective studies designed specifically with the objective of creating evidence to assist these decision‐makers in making informed choices about alternative therapies. PCTs are often contrasted with explanatory clinical trials which address the question of “will it work under ideal situations” while PCTs address the question “does it work in the real world.” While designing trials to better meet decision makers’ needs is appealing, pragmatic trials raise unique analytical, operational, and cost issues. The course follows the 2009 methods seminar on methods of comparative effectiveness by focusing in greater depth on PCTs. The seminar will begin with an overview of the role of PCTs in comparative effectiveness research, review a tool developed to assess the degree to which a trial is ‘pragmatic’ versus ‘explanatory’ and then delve more deeply into specific case studies conducted in the United States and the United Kingdom to highlight key considerations for designing, conducting, and analyzing data from pragmatic trials.
Level: Beginner. Some familiarity with basic statistics at a Master’s level would be helpful.
- Propensity Score Analysis
Faculty: Thomas Love, Case Western Reserve University
Description: This intermediate-level course is designed specifically for interested researchers who are familiar with regression models and designing comparative studies, but does not mandate prior experience with applying propensity methods or degree work in statistics. The course describes and demonstrates effective strategies for using propensity score methods to address the potential for selection bias in observational studies comparing exposures. The main analytical techniques associated with propensity score methods (multivariable adjustment, matching and stratification using the propensity score, sensitivity analysis) will be reviewed and key strategic concerns related to effective estimation of the propensity score, assessment and display of covariate balance, choice of analytic technique, sensitivity analyses for matched samples, and communicating results effectively will be discussed. Although the focus will be on common, established approaches to dealing with design and analytical challenges, the seminar will conclude with a review of literature regarding recent methodological advances in propensity scores and application of propensity score methods to problems in health policy research. Attendees will receive detailed handouts, and access to easy-to-use statistical software to be demonstrated in the session.
Level: Intermediate.
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