How I Helped a Doctor Uncover a Major Research Flaw: The Power of Sample Size Calculation

Understanding the Criticality of Sample Size in Medical Research

In the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur, within the renowned wards of a prestigious hospital, a highly respected doctor was on the brink of an important research breakthrough. Despite his expertise and experience, he faced a perplexing dilemma regarding sample size calculation. His objective was clear – to find the association between certain laboratory results and the success or failure of a medical outcome. Yet, his approach seemed misaligned. This is the story of how I helped him navigate this complex issue and ensured the accuracy of his research.

The Problem Emerges

It all began with an email from Dr. Azman, a well-respected physician at the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital. He was in the midst of conducting a critical study and needed statistical consultation to verify his sample size calculation. Dr. Azman sent over a detailed PowerPoint presentation outlining his research objectives and methodology. At first glance, everything seemed meticulously planned. However, as I delved deeper into the slides, a glaring issue became apparent.

Dr. Azman's objective was to determine if there was an association between laboratory results, categorized as high or low, and the success or failure of a specific medical treatment. However, the sample size calculation he employed was for a single proportion – typically used for prevalence studies. This mismatch between the objective and the sample size methodology could potentially undermine the entire research.

Sample Size Calculation: A Critical Component

Sample Size Calculation is a fundamental step in research design, particularly in medical studies where the stakes are high. Using the wrong method can lead to inaccurate results, jeopardizing the validity of the study. In Dr. Azman's case, he had inadvertently used a sample size calculation meant for single proportion studies, which is commonly abused due to its simplicity but is inappropriate for studies aiming to find associations between variables.

Dr. Azman's objective was to split the laboratory results into high or low levels and determine their correlation with treatment outcomes. This type of analysis requires a different approach, specifically designed to assess associations, such as a sample size calculation for comparing two proportions or using power analysis for more complex relationships.

Demonstrating Expertise in Statistical Consultation

Upon identifying the issue, I arranged a video call with Dr. Azman. During our consultation, I explained the discrepancy in his sample size calculation. I demonstrated how to correctly align the sample size with his research objective, ensuring robust and reliable results. I guided him through the process of using power analysis to determine the appropriate sample size for his study, considering the specific variables and outcomes he aimed to analyze.

A Client's Perspective: Before and After

From Dr. Azman's perspective, the consultation was transformative. Initially, he was confident in his approach but uncertain about the accuracy of his sample size calculation. After our session, he had a clear understanding of the correct methodology to employ. The corrected sample size calculation not only aligned with his research objectives but also reinforced the credibility of his study.

Dr. Azman's research went on to produce significant findings, contributing valuable insights to the medical community. His gratitude was palpable, as he acknowledged that the statistical consultation had been a turning point in his research journey. This experience underscored the importance of accurate sample size calculation and the value of expert statistical consultation in medical research.

Follow My Journey on LinkedIn

If you're pursuing a master's in medicine or involved in medical research in Malaysia, I invite you to follow my journey on LinkedIn. With a background in statistical consultation and a passion for helping researchers achieve accurate and impactful results, I am here to assist you. Let's connect and ensure your research stands on a solid statistical foundation.

#ResearchConsultation #MedicalResearch #SampleSizeCalculation #StatisticalConsultation #KualaLumpurResearch