gms | German Medical Science

The validity and practical utility of observational medical research depends critically on good study design, appropriate statistical analysis methods, accurate interpretation of results, and consideration of sources of potential bias in the data. Statistical methodology has seen substantial development in recent times. Unfortunately, there is a lack of guidance on vital practical issues which discourages many applied researchers from using more sophisticated and possibly more appropriate methods when analyzing observational studies, and many recent methodological developments are ignored in practice. Consequently, design and analysis of observational studies often exhibit serious weaknesses.

These observations led to the initiation of the international initiative for STRengthening Analytical Thinking for Observational Studies (STRATOS), a large collaboration of experts with background in biostatical and epidemiological methods. The overarching objective of STRATOS is to provide accessible and accurate guidance in the design and analysis of observational studies. The guidance is intended for applied statisticians and other data analysts with varying levels of statistical education, experience and interests [1]. The initiative involves more than 100 members from 18 countries (http://www.stratos-initiative.org/), who work in nine topic groups and eleven cross-cutting panels. Panels aim to co-ordinate the initiative, to share best research practices and to disseminate research tools and results from the work of the topic groups.

In two sessions we will present recent developments in some of the topic groups and panels. It is intended having six presentations but Corona caused problems to provide a detailed program. It will be available on the web. So far the following talks are intended.

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

The authors declare that an ethics committee vote is not required.