Statistical analysis and application of quasi experiments to antimicrobial resistance intervention studies

Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Oct 1;45(7):901-7. doi: 10.1086/521255. Epub 2007 Aug 23.

Abstract

Quasi-experimental study designs are frequently used to assess interventions that aim to limit the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. However, previous studies using these designs have often used suboptimal statistical methods, which may result in researchers making spurious conclusions. Methods used to analyze quasi-experimental data include 2-group tests, regression analysis, and time-series analysis, and they all have specific assumptions, data requirements, strengths, and limitations. An example of a hospital-based intervention to reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection rates and reduce overall length of stay is used to explore these methods.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Control Groups
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Research Design