Careers in Data Science: How Biostatisticians and Epidemiologists Collaborate in the Creation of Real-World Evidence

• Activity Number: 416 - Collaboration in Data Science: How Biostatisticians and Epidemiologists Contribute to the Creation of Real World Evidence
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 5, 2020 : 1:00 PM to 2:50 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistics in Epidemiology
• Author(s): Rachael DiSantostefano* and Charles Hall* and Rebecca A Hubbard* and Jessica Chubak* and Pallavi Mishra-Kalyani* and Therri Usher*
• Companies: Janssen R&D, LLC and Albert Einstein College of Medicine and University of Pennsylvania and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute and US FDA and FDA
• Keywords: observational data; careers; real-world data; real-world evidence; epidemiology; biostatistics

Abstract

Modern technology produces data in overwhelming volumes and varieties, including data from electronic health records, healthcare claims, and wearable devices. This real-world data (RWD) and corresponding real-world evidence (RWE) play an increasing role in health care and regulatory decisions. There is substantial demand for statisticians and epidemiologists trained in the design and analysis of studies using RWD in industry, academia, and the government. However, the most relevant biostatistical skills for contributing to this research are evolving, with an increased need for expertise in areas around non-randomized and observational study designs. The analysis of RWD requires a multi-disciplinary skill set. This panel will focus on the necessary training and types of roles biostatisticians and epidemiologists play in the context of generating knowledge and evidence from RWD. Following an introduction to the two disciplines, the panel discussion will include experts from multiple disciplines and career paths who will share their professional experiences and views on the skills necessary to succeed in a career focusing on converting RWD into evidence.