Surveillance - Statistical Methods

Data base

This database collects statistical methods and software tools used in surveillance.

The following information is provided in this database for the collected statistical methods:

  • ID: running number.
  • Name: of method or tool.
  • Short description: of the method.
  • Type: method entry or supporting method or reported method.
  • Main purpose: of the method.
  • Software: As far as methods are available, R packages and apps will be linked.
  • Literature: Further reading and original publications.
  • Examples in R: Application examples in the form of R scripts for download and local execution.

The complete database can be searched using the search mask at the top right. The columns of the database can be sorted (by use of the arrows Sortierpfeile in the column titles) and filtered (using the search fileds below the columns).

Examples of data base applications:

  1. The database information Name, Short Description and Main purpose are used to assign one or more relevant statistical methods to a concrete question. By Filtering of the columns, the view can be narrowed down (for example by typing “Exposure assessment” in the search mask under the Main purpose -column).
  2. The elaborated Examples in R facilitate the start of the analysis. The provided R scripts can be downloaded and executed locally (this requires the local installation of R, and the execution in the development environment in RStudio ). The individual analysis steps can be followed through the application examples, which creates a better understanding of the process. Furthermore, the scripts can serve as a template for independent analyzes with own data and thus relieve the user of a lot of paperwork.
  3. A comparison of the own processing status with the linked Literature deepens the understanding of the method, controls the correctness of the individual analysis steps and gives an insight into the critical discussion of the method in the statistical literature. Furthermore, the user receives information on how the method is presented in scientific journals and what information must be compiled and presented.