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New Models for Large Prospective Studies: Is There a Better Way?

Authors :
Manolio, Teri A.
Weis, Brenda K.
Cowie, Catherine C.
Hoover, Robert N.
Hudson, Kathy
Kramer, Barnett S.
Berg, Chris
Collins, Rory
Ewart, Wendy
Gaziano, J. Michael
Hirschfeld, Steven
Marcus, Pamela M.
Masys, Daniel
McCarty, Catherine A.
McLaughlin, John
Patel, Alpa V.
Peakman, Tim
Pedersen, Nancy L.
Schaefer, Catherine
Scott, Joan A.
Source :
American Journal of Epidemiology; May2012, Vol. 175 Issue 9, p859-866, 8p
Publication Year :
2012

Abstract

Large prospective cohort studies are critical for identifying etiologic factors for disease, but they require substantial long-term research investment. Such studies can be conducted as multisite consortia of academic medical centers, combinations of smaller ongoing studies, or a single large site such as a dominant regional health-care provider. Still another strategy relies upon centralized conduct of most or all aspects, recruiting through multiple temporary assessment centers. This is the approach used by a large-scale national resource in the United Kingdom known as the “UK Biobank,” which completed recruitment/examination of 503,000 participants between 2007 and 2010 within budget and ahead of schedule. A key lesson from UK Biobank and similar studies is that large studies are not simply small studies made large but, rather, require fundamentally different approaches in which “process” expertise is as important as scientific rigor. Embedding recruitment in a structure that facilitates outcome determination, utilizing comprehensive and flexible information technology, automating biospecimen processing, ensuring broad consent, and establishing essentially autonomous leadership with appropriate oversight are all critical to success. Whether and how these approaches may be transportable to the United States remain to be explored, but their success in studies such as UK Biobank makes a compelling case for such explorations to begin. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00029262
Volume :
175
Issue :
9
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
American Journal of Epidemiology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
75054639
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwr453