I could offer advice and support to small research groups or large organisations. Clients recognised the importance of having a statistician on the team, so that the quantitative aspects of the research project could be dealt with expertly and impartially.
Consultancy input included:
Support with bid writing. If your project had a statistics element (data collection and analysis), potential funding bodies would have required a clear and authoritative methodology statement as part of the bid. I was able to assist you with this. Having a named statistician on the proposal would add credibility to your bid.
Sample size determination. Your samples should be big enough to ensure that your results are meaningful, but not too big as to be wasteful of time and resources. This is essential in the clinical field, but good practice in any area. A statistical consultant could carry out the appropriate power calculations and suggest a suitable sample size and sampling methodology.
Randomisation schedules. For randomised controlled trials (RCTs) it is imperative that the randomisation schedule is robust, so that subjects are allocated to the treatment arms appropriately. I was able to support you with single-blind or double-blind protocols that implement stratification as necessary.
Data protocol design. Before you started to collect the data, I helped you ensure that your database design is appropriate. I could suggest coding to simplify recording and subsequent analysis, and provide a data dictionary for your project. I could train your staff who carry out the data recording. Failure to observe a robust data protocol can lead to errors and ambiguity, meaning unnecessary extra work down the line.
Statistical analysis plans. Well articulated SAPs are increasingly important in larger scale projects and clinical trials. Put simply, an SAP provides a transparent, comprehensive "plan of attack" for the statistical analysis so that the commissioners of the research can have confidence that the aims of the project will be met. My SAPs reflected ICH-E9 guidelines. If you did not require a formal SAP, I could still ensure that you understood the scope of the statistical analysis methods required for your data.
Data analysis and significance testing. I would receive your data in an agreed format, and carried out the data analysis using industry standard software and observing utmost data security and confidentiality. I interpreted the output of the statistical analysis using tables and charts in a way that could be immediately understood.
Reporting of results. I provided draft wording for the Methods and Results sections of any ensuing publication. I could proof read and advise on copy prior to submission to journals.
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"This work has made a real, practical contribution . . . your involvement was critical and I am very grateful for your ongoing input." (Client feedback)