Study Design and Analysis in Hand Surgery Research: Tips for Success.

J Hand Surg Am · Sep 2023 · Review

Hao KA, Calfee RP, Waljee JF, Srinivasan RC

The Hand Center of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX

Hand & Upper Extremity

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONEducational article outlines seven key study design and analysis considerations to help hand surgeons critically evaluate research evidence.
Abstract, as published

Hand surgeons are constantly faced with evaluation of new evidence to identify best practices in clinical care. However, even the most rigorous study designs have limitations due to biases, generalizability, and other flaws. Here, we highlight seven common aspects of study design and analysis that should be considered by hand surgeons when interpreting findings. The evaluation of these practices can optimize the peer-review process and assess the value of evidence to be incorporated into clinical practice.

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