Epidemiology-Biostatistics Research Support

FAQ

	Who can use the Epidemiology-Biostatistics Research Support?
	The services are primarily intended for EVMS faculty, staff, residents and students.

 

	At what stage of research is it best to seek advice about research design, methodology and statistical analysis?
	The earlier, the better. Nothing is more frustrating than learning after the fact that your data are inadequate for valid statistical inference, or that your time and resources were wasted from gathering more data than was necessary. We recommend that you see us during the pre-proposal phase of your research.

 

	How do I schedule an appointment?
	Please e-mail EpiBio@evms.edu and attach a completed Request for Service Form (Word document) identifying the type of service needed. This form is used to prioritize requests and identify the appropriate faculty or staff to provide consultant services, who will then contact the requestor to schedule an initial appointment.

	How will requests for services be prioritized?
	Each request will be assigned a priority score based on the type of service, potential for or availability of funding, project deadline, and other variables such as IRB approval. Collaborative and funded projects will receive higher priority, if timelines are short. The requestor will be told an expected time of completion at the first consultation.

 

What should I bring to the first consultation?

Please bring the latest version of your proposal, including the hypotheses and/or the specific aims. Also, bring copies of articles or earlier work on similar topics in your discipline. It will help if you are prepared to discuss focused, reliable, and measurable outcomes and affiliated variables, as well as details of possible interventions. For advice on data analyses or report writing after the fact, please bring a copy of the IRB Approval notice (if required), the data gathering/analysis protocol, the current database in an electronic format (accompanied by a complete codebook), and the results of analyses already performed. Please prepare well-defined outcomes and research questions to be answered. If the assigned consultant cannot answer all of your questions in one session, they will (a) schedule a follow-up appointment, and (b) find the information you need, either by delving into the relevant epidemiological or biostatistical literature, or by consulting with a colleague who has the expertise required.

 

How are Epi-Bio Research Support Services paid for?

Generally there are three ways to pay for services. First, by direct support of named individuals on grants, provided that prior approval has been obtained from that individual and the Epi-Bio Research Support Director. Second, through our Fee-for-Service Schedule that is comparable to other academic medical centers. Third, through institutional Core support, provided that such expenditures have been approved by the appropriate officials.

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