2019
Clinical Trials in Palliative Care Research
Description: This workshop focuses on
designing and implementing clinical trials in palliative care research with an emphasis
on methodology. Topics include trial design, sample size and power
considerations, sources of bias and confounding, and analysis of quantitative
results. We will discuss the specific challenges involved in clinical trials in
palliative care and best practices for addressing these challenges.
Introduction to Hierarchical Modeling
Description: This workshop will begin by describing the conceptual basis for
using hierarchical modeling in palliative care research. Hierarchical linear
modeling (or “multilevel analysis”) allows variance in outcome variables to be
analyzed at multiple hierarchical levels. For example, data are often
considered as patients nested within physicians nested within hospitals.
Hierarchical modeling allows one to estimate the variance in an outcome at the
patient, physician and hospital levels. Using examples with real data, the
presenters in this workshop will demonstrate the importance of accounting for
variation at different levels of analysis, will provide an overview of how to
interpret results of a hierarchical model, and will consider the use of
stratification and instrumental variables to assess differences in effects
among clusters.
Mixed Methods Research
Description: Mixed method research has become an
essential tool for studying the complex issues involved in palliative care
practice and policy. This workshop will describe ways to integrate qualitative
and quantitative research methods and data. It will cover commonly used
qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and procedures, theory,
design, analysis, and interpretation of results. The presenters in the workshop
will also describe the ways in which mixed methods research can inform
palliative care intervention development and implementation. Using data from
recent studies, workshop leaders will demonstrate how they have used mixed
methods to inform specific interventions. At the end of this workshop
participants will have a more in-depth understanding of mixed methods, its
distinction from pure qualitative or quantitative methodology, and a practical
understanding of the application of these methods to palliative care
research.