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ABOG Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery study materials
ABOG Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery study resources

ABOG Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery: Research Methodology, Biostatistics, and Evidence-Based Practice

ABOG Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

Research Methodology, Biostatistics, and Evidence-Based Practice

Study design

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) best establish causality; cohort and case-control studies assess associations. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses synthesize evidence. Bias types: selection, information, confounding, and publication bias. Intention-to-treat analysis preserves randomization. Power and sample size depend on effect size, alpha, and beta.

Statistics

Sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive values, and likelihood ratios interpret diagnostic tests. PPV/NPV depend on prevalence. Confidence intervals convey precision. Number needed to treat (NNT) = 1/absolute risk reduction. Avoid confusing statistical significance with clinical importance.

Traps

  • Confusing sensitivity with PPV; PPV depends on prevalence.
  • Assuming observational associations prove causation.
  • Ignoring intention-to-treat vs per-protocol differences.
  • Overlooking publication bias in meta-analyses.
  • Misinterpreting p-values as effect size.

Worked example

A test with 90% sensitivity and 90% specificity in a population with 1% prevalence yields a low PPV (about 8%); in a high-prevalence population, PPV rises. Always consider prevalence when interpreting test results.