Open Access

‘Real-world’ observational studies in arrhythmia research: data sources, methodology, and interpretation. A position document from European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), endorsed by Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Asia-Pacific HRS (APHRS), and Latin America HRS (LAHRS)

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Date: 14 November 2019
Journal: EP Europace Journal , Volume 22 , Issue 5 , Pages 831 - 832
Authors: C. Torp-Pedersen , A. Goette , P. Nielsen , T. Potpara , L. Fauchier , A. John Camm , E. Arbelo , G. Boriani , F. Skjoeth , J. Rumsfeld , F. Masoudi , Y. Guo , B. Joung , M. Refaat , Y. Kim , C. Albert , J. Piccini , A. Avezum , G. Lip , B. Gorenek , N. Dagres , F. Violi , X. Du , M. Akao , E. Choi , R. Lopes , E. Ozcan , D. Lane , F. Marin , C. Gale , K. Vernooy , G. Kudaiberdieva , V. Kutyifa , V. Traykov , C. Guevara , T. Chao , S. Al-Khatib

ESC Journals

Abstract

The field of observational studies or “real world studies” is in rapid development with many new techniques introduced and increased understanding of traditional methods. For this reason the current paper provides an overview of current methods with focus on new techniques. Some highlights can be emphasized: We provide an overview of sources of data for observational studies. There is an overview of sources of bias and confounding. Next There is an overview of causal inference techniques that are increasingly used. The most commonly used techniques for statistical modelling are reviewed with focus on the important distinction of risk versus prediction. The final section provides examples of common problems with reporting observational data.

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About the contributors

Christian Torp-Pedersen

Hilleroed (Nordsjaellands Hospital)

Role: Author

Andreas Goette

Role: Author

Peter Bronnum Nielsen

Role: Author