Online Program

Informing Clients of Negative Aspects of a Hot Topic (302795)

Keywords: Communication, Adaptive designs

Various statistical topics have become popular, often because clients are aware of the positive aspects of the techniques. The information regarding the negative aspects is overlooked, if provided. Adaptive designs, especially sample size re-estimation, have reached this level of popularity. Recently, clients have insisted that the designs of their studies include sample size re-estimation. However, the procedures have inherent inefficiencies that need to be communicated to the client. Some of these inefficiencies are described here with a simple communication process: inform the client with examples that are impactful and easy to understand and provide alternatives.