Interactive Events

Methods Matter Cyberseminar:
Investigating Causation & Correlation
Wednesday, July 16, 11:00-12:30 EDT
The PHSR IG hosted a web-based seminar on July 16, 2008. This Cyberseminar explored causation versus association. Specifically, it addressed methods used to determine causation and common mistakes made by health services researchers in making inferences about association based on correlation. This case study aimed to inform research methods used in Health Services Research (HSR) with particular emphasis on Public Health Systems and Services Research (PHSSR). Speakers included Bryan Dowd, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota ), Glen Mays, Ph.D., M.P.H. (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences), and David Grembowski, Ph.D. (University of Washington).

• Speaker Bios and Presentations
• Event Flyer
• Event Q&A
• Background Materials
• Does X Really Cause Y?
• GRACE Principles. Do We Need Good Practice Principles for Observational Comparative Effectiveness Research?
• Schneider, B. et al. "Estimating Causal Effects Using Experimental and Observational Designs," American Educational Research Association, 2007.
• The STROBE (STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology) Statement.
• Morgenstern, H. “Ecologic Studies” (Chapter 25, pp 511-31) in Rothman, K.J., Greenland, S. and Lash, T.L. 2008. Modern Epidemiology.  Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Technical Requirements
• HSR Methods Website
• Evaluation Form

Cyberseminar on Regionalization
The PHSR IG hosted a web-based seminar on May 23, 2007. The forum provided an overview of regionalization in public health systems, gave examples of regionalization's implementation, highlighted new research findings in this area, and addressed challenges to be addressed in institutionalizing this approach. Speakers included Harold Cox (Boston University), Patrick Lenihan (University of Illinois at Chicago), David Palm (Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services), and Michael Stoto (Georgetown University).

• Speaker Bios and Presentations
• Background Materials
  • Event Flyer
  • Operational Definition of a Local Health Department (NACCHO)
  • Planning Beyond Borders: Using Project Public Health Ready as Regional Guidance for Public Health (NACCHO)
  • “Institutional and Economic Determinants of Public Health System Performance” by Glen P Mays et al. American Journal of Public Health. March 2006.Vol. 96, Iss. 3; pg. 523.