The framework of target trial emulation (TTE) is increasingly adopted when
researchers wish to address causal questions using observational data. TTE has
multiple advantages, starting from the clarity of explicitly specifying the hypothetical
target experimental trial for the questions of interest.
However, because the data often arise from linked administrative databases that are
not created for research purposes, their handling demands extreme care if biased
conclusions are to be avoided. Two main sources of bias have been broadly
recognised in the epidemiological literature: immortal time bias and inappropriate
selection of comparative groups. This talk will focus on other challenges to emulating
target trials which are not commonly aired, using two examples.
Hernán et al. Specifying a target trial prevents immortal time bias and other self-inflicted injuries
in observational analyses. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 2016: 79 (2016) 70e75
Hernán and Robins. Using Big Data to Emulate a Target Trial When a Randomized Trial Is Not
Available. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2016: 183, 758–764
Suissa. Immortal time bias in observational studies of drug effects. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug
Safety, 2007: 241–9
14 Dicembre 2021
Bianca De Stavola
UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
online at the following link https://uniroma1.zoom.us/j/86881977368?pwd=S