Statistical Confounding in Observational Research and Center Performance Evaluations in Organ Transplantation

AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo describe statistical confounding and the impact of observational research in transplantation. Further, to evaluate potential confounding factors that are common in transplant research with particular focus on the impact on evaluating transplant center performance.Recent FindingsThere are numerous studies documenting evidence of factors that impact outcomes of transplant patients that are not consistently available for risk adjustment in observational transplant research studies. These factors may vary between patient groups and transplant centers and as such, potential confounders affected accurate interpretation of research findings.SummaryResearchers and consumers of research studies should be aware of the existence of potential confounding factors and the impact on inferences derived from observational research in transplantation. Confounding factors are common in observational research in this field and strategies to augment existing data, mitigate the effect of confounders in analyses and appropriately interpret findings in the context of confounders are important.
Source: Current Transplantation Reports - Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research