Vanderbilt Meharry Center for AIDS Research in Nashville, TN

To understand HIV disparities it is critical to study large populations. The EOR-WG conducts disparities/outcomes research by designing studies that take advantage of the sex and race balance of patients in the Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Center cohort. Growth occurs through strategic planning with HIV investigators as well as mentoring and engaging new faculty. We strive to bring new investigators into HIV research. Early success hooks them on HIV research, and generates preliminary data for grants.

The EOR-WG meets weekly. Its activities include:

1. Managing current projects and considering new projects
2. Identifying new opportunities
3. Optimizing resource utilization

Contact: Timothy Sterling, M.D., Director

The Outcomes & Epidemiology Unit will provide high quality support for the design, database management, analysis and reporting of basic, epidemiological and behavioral clinical investigations. As part of mentoring, the EOR-WG also discusses study design, sample size/feasibility, statistical analyses and results and scientific meeting presentations and papers.

Specifically, the Unit will provide the following services:

STUDY DESIGN ASSISTANCE

1. Consultation concerning appropriate research strategy or design
2. Evaluation of the comparative feasibility and validity of alternative study designs
3. Calculation of sample size requirements for statistical precision and limitation of type II error
4. Training for D-CFAR members and their trainees regarding study design

DATA MANAGEMENT

1. Determination of data management requirements
2. Collaboration to facilitate statistical analysis through appropriate database construction and access
3. Consultation on data acquisition and entry
4. Design of forms for data collection
5. Design, testing, implementation of database structures and applications programs
6. Data reporting
7. Training of D-CFAR members and their trainees in use of database management hardware and software

DATA ACQUISITION

1. Access to selected clinical data from patients who have participated in the Vanderbilt Meharry Data and Specimen Repository.
2. Chart abstraction

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

1. Selection and development of statistical methods for hypothesis testing
2. Data analysis in order to test specific hypotheses
3. Development of exploratory analyses for hypotheses generation
4. Development of new statistical methodology as required to address analytic issues or test hypotheses
5. Collaboration in the preparation of abstracts, manuscripts, and research proposals
6. Training of D-CFAR members and their trainees regarding appropriate methods for analysis

Please contact the Core Leadership to discuss services. We are eager to hear your ideas about additional core services not listed here that can help your research.