Read on Twitter
#Statistics in the editorial process (short thread) 
What does @sjn_16 look for when peer reviewing for clinical journals?
May not reflect the views and peer review approach of other statisticians
What does @sjn_16 look for when peer reviewing for clinical journals? May not reflect the views and peer review approach of other statisticians
#Statistics in the editorial process: WHEN?
Recognising statistical problems can be difficult for a non-statistician (and even for statisticians!)
Tips to spot problems are available:
https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-015-0510-5
But if in doubt, consult a statistical reviewer!
Recognising statistical problems can be difficult for a non-statistician (and even for statisticians!)
Tips to spot problems are available:
https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-015-0510-5
But if in doubt, consult a statistical reviewer!
#Statistics in the editorial process: WHEN?
Reporting guidelines such as #CONSORT, #PRISMA and #STROBE may help indicate where important information is missing:
https://www.equator-network.org/
But these are not conduct guidelines and do NOT guarantee good statistical analysis
Reporting guidelines such as #CONSORT, #PRISMA and #STROBE may help indicate where important information is missing: https://www.equator-network.org/
But these are not conduct guidelines and do NOT guarantee good statistical analysis
#Statistics in the editorial process: WHAT?
Myth: Statisticians only look at methods - WRONG
I have to read the whole paper to follow the 'story' to determine if methods, results and conclusions are appropriate and match the objective
Myth: Statisticians only look at methods - WRONG
I have to read the whole paper to follow the 'story' to determine if methods, results and conclusions are appropriate and match the objective
#Statistics in the editorial process: WHAT?
BEWARE: If you have a published protocol / analysis plan or study registration, I will read this and compare what you planned what you actually did
(It's OK - just add a 'changes from protocol' section
)
BEWARE: If you have a published protocol / analysis plan or study registration, I will read this and compare what you planned what you actually did
(It's OK - just add a 'changes from protocol' section
)
#Statistics in the editorial process: METHODS
Don't skip the analysis section to save word count
Don't cite a protocol or previous work for ALL methods
Methods section MUST have sufficient detail for a standalone paper
Use an online statistical appendix if needed 
Don't skip the analysis section to save word countDon't cite a protocol or previous work for ALL methodsMethods section MUST have sufficient detail for a standalone paperUse an online statistical appendix if needed
#Statistics in the editorial process: METHODS
Using a complex statistical method?
Explain what the method does related to your clinical objective in plain language.
Can't explain it? = Should you use it?
AVOID jargon & complex statistical terms without explanation
Using a complex statistical method?
Explain what the method does related to your clinical objective in plain language. Can't explain it? = Should you use it?AVOID jargon & complex statistical terms without explanation
#Statistics in the editorial process: RESULTS
Lengthy results text is boring 
Tables & Figures help to visualise results 
Use of colour, legends & footnotes can help with interpretation of results
Check that numbers in Tables & Figures match results text
Lengthy results text is boring Tables & Figures help to visualise results Use of colour, legends & footnotes can help with interpretation of results Check that numbers in Tables & Figures match results text
#Statistics in the editorial process: RESULTS
More specific examples of common statistical errors and misinterpretations coming this week
More specific examples of common statistical errors and misinterpretations coming this week
#Statistics in the editorial process: HOW?
I write a statistical review which highlights:
MAJOR comments which may require re-analysis or rewriting of results with explanation of the issues & suggestions for improvements (if I can!)
MINOR comments - such as wording
I write a statistical review which highlights:
MAJOR comments which may require re-analysis or rewriting of results with explanation of the issues & suggestions for improvements (if I can!) MINOR comments - such as wording
#Statistics in the editorial process: HOW?
Disagree with my comments?
Have I completely misunderstood your work?
NO PROBLEMexplain to me in your response.
But if I don't understand your #Statistics, clinical readers have no chance
So do add some clarifications!
Disagree with my comments?
Have I completely misunderstood your work?
NO PROBLEM
explain to me in your response.But if I don't understand your #Statistics, clinical readers have no chance
So do add some clarifications!
#Statistics in the editorial process: WHY?
Statistical peer review is SO IMPORTANT to provide highest quality evidence for clinical decision making
Calling statistical reviewers! Be constructive, be nice and most importantly, don't be #reviewer2 
Statistical peer review is SO IMPORTANT to provide highest quality evidence for clinical decision making
Calling statistical reviewers! Be constructive, be nice and most importantly, don't be #reviewer2
