Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Core

Overview

The Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) core is built on the OUHSC Hudson College of Public Health's strengths (and partnerships) in genetic epidemiology (OMRF), bioinformatics (OMRF, OU-Tulsa) and geospatial/temporal analytics (OU-Norman) to provide unique consulting, training, and methodology development to OSCTR investigators. The BERD provides expertise, collaborative support, and training to students, trainees, faculty members, and health care professionals at all partnering institutions.

 

Consultative and Collaborative Support Unit

This Unit provides expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, and informatics through consultations and collaborations. Available services span the entire research process, including research design, data collection, management, analysis, and reporting.

This Unit can help investigators:

  • Formulate research questions that are well-defined, measurable, and answerable
  • Develop valid and efficient research designs and analysis plans
  • Address sources of bias
  • Identify sufficient sample sizes
  • Select measurement methods and instruments
  • Develop case report forms, databases, and online data capture tools
  • Perform data quality control
  • Manage and analyze data
  • Create data and safety monitoring plans
  • Report study results in accordance with established recommendations
  • Create publication-quality summary tables and figures
  • Perform systematic reviews and meta-analyses
  • Develop and administer phone/internet-based surveys through Sooner Survey

 

Clinical Epidemiology Unit

This Unit provides data and expertise for research using the extensive de-identified electronic medical records and cohort registries developed by the OSCTR and its partners. In addition to helping investigators identify and access the appropriate data sources, we offer expert consultations to minimize bias and maximize precision through careful planning of data measurement and data capture and the use of appropriate analytic methods. This Unit also supports ongoing improvements to the Clinical Data Warehouse and the protection and secure storage of data.

 

Novel Methodologies Unit

This Unit is a central resource for investigators needing novel research designs or analysis methods. For example, OSCTR projects often involve high-dimensional data or need statistical methods to reduce bias and increase estimation efficiency in small populations (such as American Indian tribes). After identifying these needs, we perform methodological research to adapt existing methods or develop new approaches to address the original research question. In addition, we host panel discussions to stimulate the development of novel approaches more broadly.