Bayesian Approaches to Clinical Trials and Health-Care Evaluation

The Bayesian approach involves collecting data from past experience in order to reach conclusions about future events. Bayesian methods have become increasingly popular in recent years, notably in medical research. There are a large number of books on Bayesian analysis, but very few that cover clinical trials and biostatistical applications in any capacity. There is no book available that is introductory in nature and covers such a broad array of essential topics.
This book provides a valuable overview of this rapidly evolving field, not only for statisticians in the pharmaceutical industry, but also to anyone involved in conducting clinical trials and HTA work. Comprehensive coverage of Bayesian methods in medical research

• Illustrated throughout by case studies and worked examples
• Authors are at the forefront of research into Bayesian methods in medical research
• Suitable for those with a limited statistical background
• Accompanied by a Web site featuring data sets and worked examples in WinBUGS - the most widely accepted Bayesian modelling package

Contents

• Introduction
• Basic Concepts from Traditional Statistical Analysis
• An Overview of the Bayesian Approach
• Comparison of Alternative Approaches to Inference
• Prior Distributions
• Randomised Controlled Trials
• Observational Studies
• Evidence Synthesis
• Cost-effectiveness, Policy-Making and Regulation
• Conclusions and Implications for Future Research

• A1 The site for this book
• A2 Bayesian methods in health-care evaluation
• A3 Bayesian software
• A4 General Bayesian sites