WS-0013 - Visual Space: Using Visualization In Pharmacoepidemiology To Design And Disseminate Valid Real-world Evidence In A Structured Framework

Jeremy A. Rassen, Shirley V. Wang, Nicolle M. Gatto, M. Alan Brookhart

Live Session with Q & A
December 10, 2020
10:00 am EST
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Background: Credible RWE depends on transparency throughout all the stages of a study, from designing the study and disseminating the findings to decision-makers evaluating the validity and quality of the results. Visualization reduces the risks of implementing poor study designs or misinterpreting results. However, other than recommendations to include graphical representations for the study design and patient attrition, the field lacks specific guidance on how visualizations can support transparency. To develop an approach to pharmacoepidemiology visualizations, the panelists received ISPE funding to develop a manuscript and will share the current thinking of the working group.

Objectives:

(1) To examine the use of visualization in study design, including evaluating database quality, study design time windows, covariates, and complex variable measurements in a patient’s longitudinal timeline

(2) To identify sources of bias and misclassification through visual representationsTo solicit input from ISPE members and attending audience on visualization guidance

Researchers and decision-makers using RWE would benefit from attending this symposium.

Description: This symposium will provide an opportunity to learn about graphically representing methods and results for secondary database studies. (1) First, we will provide an overview of the SPACE framework, focusing on the role of visualization in the overall study design framework (Nicolle Gatto). (2) Next, a visual approach and taxonomy for representing the patient timeline and events will be introduced and we will examine visualizations to determine database quality, such as patterns of data missingness (Alan Brookhart). (3) The third section will discuss visually representing study designs (cohort, case-control, case-crossover) and temporal anchors to increase transparency and reproducibility, building upon the standards set forth by the ISPE-ISPOR Task Force (Shirley Wang). (4) The final section will focus on the visual communication of study findings and understanding how complex study results can be effectively communicated to scientific and non-scientific audiences (Jeremy Rassen). Case examples will be provided to illustrate opportunities to improve the study design and implementation as well as avoid potential pitfalls (e.g., misclassification and immortal time bias).