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Knowledge Management

Our Knowledge Management System consists of a Data Management and Analysis System and a Literature Search and Review System.

Data Management and Analysis System

We have extensive experience and cutting-edge knowledge in analysis techniques, along with a wide range of statistical modeling experience using major statistical software packages. The objectives of data analysis are the transformation of data and other forms of information into knowledge. The foundation of all sound data analysis analyses are clear hypotheses. Within the complex world of health research it is vital that the statement of hypothesis is as complete as possible. To this end we work closely with clients to develop such statements using state-of-the-art graphical techniques. Our data analysis process begins with descriptions of variables and ends in statements about cause. Most analyses involves three classical processes:

• Exploratory data analysis (EDA): We examine the distribution of key variables using both static and dynamic graphical techniques to examine all the key variables. The results of the EDA are used to refine the variables for further analysis. We use a variety of statistical tools for the description of the data.
• Bivariate analysis: The univariate relationship between the key causal and, confounding variables, and outcome variable(s) are examined.
• Multivariate analysis: We use the entire array of statistical methods to describe the multivariate relationships between various data elements.

In our experience, most analysis requests that derive from well-designed studies will be straightforward. Increasingly, a research question when posed as part of a secondary analysis or a subset of subjects taken from a larger study will require a more careful statistical approach.

Literature Search and Review System

The literature search and review informs the data analysis process:

Literature Search

• Identify key scientific questions: There are four sources for these key questions: (a) from the designs of the key studies performed by the client, (b) from published and unpublished scientific manuscripts, (c) from the strategic plans of the client, and (d) from published scientific articles in the specific field of study. We frame each scientific question as an hypothesis.
• Literature search: From each of the sources keywords and authors are identified and used to electronically search databases and repositories. The electronic searches are augmented by hand searches of retrieved scientific publications.
• Collect publication meta-data: Publication meta-data (including authors, title of publication, citation sources, and year of publication) and abstracts are electronically downloaded into bibliographies.
• Retrieve publications:: The initial electronic retrieval of PDF files will be augmented by scanning scientific articles that are not in that format into a PDF format.
• File publications and collate bibliography: An electronic filing system will be used to file the articles - the articles will be tagged for easy retrieval. We use these files to create an electronic bibliography.

Literature review

At the completion of the literature search, we conduct a detailed review of the literature. We abstract the following key information from each study:

• We describe the study design of key publications.
• We evaluate the sample sizes of selected publications.
• We identify and formally define key variables
• We abstract key tables and figures from selected publications.
• We analyze selected scientific publications.
• We prepare a review document for the client.

Key Literature Search and Review Outputs

The output of the literature search and review system is an annotated web-based compendium of key scientific publications. Within each publication file will be a PDF copy of the publication, collated notes, key tables and graphics from the publication and a listing of the following key factors: (a) study design, (b) sample size, (c) study statistical power, and (d) key effect size(s). The compendium will contain the formal analysis of the literature, and a detailed bibliography file that will be used for the reference section of the planned publication(s). In addition, all PDF files from the completed library will be available for downloading by the client from the our website.