Recent work in cluster trials and the representation of women in statistics

Hi everyone,

Our June event will feature a seminar from the vice-president of the Statistical Society of Australia.

Jessica will discuss two topics that she has been interested in over the past couple of years. The first topic is the development of theory and tools for the design and analysis of longitudinal cluster randomised trials, and the second topic is how to make the statistics community more welcoming and inclusive.

Although individually randomised trials are the gold standard for assessing the impact of new treatments on patient outcomes, cluster randomised trials are necessary when testing the effect of healthcare provider-level changes on patient outcomes, for example the effect of a hospital-wide cleaning program on the rates of hospital-acquired infections. Longitudinal cluster randomised trials follow clusters over time, and clusters may switch between treatment groups during these trials. Cross-overs, stepped wedges and staircases are all variants of these types of cluster randomised trials, and they are being conducted with increasing frequency. However, many of the underlying statistical aspects of these designs remain under-explored. I’ll discuss some of the work my group has been doing to increase our understanding of these trials and develop less burdensome trial designs, including our development of apps using the R shiny package.

In the second part of the talk, I’ll discuss the work that is being done by the Statistical Society of Australia to prevent and respond to sexual and other forms of harassment within our community, and how we can increase the representation of women in statistics.

Looking forward to seeing you all!

R-Ladies Melbourne