Interpreting Epidemiologic Evidence: Strategies for Study Design and Analysis

Evaluating the strength or persuasiveness of epidemiologic evidence is inherently challenging, both for those new to the field and for experienced researchers. There are a myriad of potential biases to consider, but little guidance about how to asses the likely impact on study results. This book offers a strategy for assessing epidemiologic research findings, explicitly describing the goals and products of epidemiologic research in order to better evaluate it successes and limitations. The focus throughout is on practical tools for making optimal use of available data to assess whether hypothesized biases are operative and to anticipate concerns at the point of study design in order to ensure that needed information is generated. Specific tools for assessing the presence and impact of selection bias in both cohort and case-control studies, bias from non-response, confounding, exposure measurement error, disease measurement error, and random error are identified and evaluated. The potential value of each approach as well as its limitations are discussed, using examples from the published literature. Such information should help those who generate and interpret epidemiologic research to apply methodological principles more effectively to substantive issues, leading to a more accurate appraisal of the current evidence and greater clarity about research needs.

Review :
"Savitz draws on a vast number of studies to produce insights that will alert readers to mistakes and pitfalls. The author is to be commended for his contributions to the field. I predict that in departments with active research and graduate level studies, the Savitz book will be tattered and torn well before the basic text shows signs of wear." --JAMA "Savitz has provided us with an elegant perspective on the major concerns in interpreting epidemiologic literature. ..he takes us through all of the major issues in a most readable and logical format, making this book required reading for the novice and the professional. In addition, the book is a primer for policymakers who need to use epidemiologic results in making public health policy decisions. Savitz points out how using planned common sense can bring order to complex datasets and clarity to disparate results and interpretations. ..it will make anyone committed to the field a better epidemioligist." --Epidemiology "This attractively presented book is extremely useful for professionals and graduate students doing or evaluating epidemiologic research. I have not seen another book like this one that so successfully integrates content and experience. The author has assembled a book that is necessary and essential for all those involved in interpreting epidemiologic evidence."--Doody's