Carrying out streamlined routine data analyses with reports for observational studies: introduction to a series of generic SAS ® macros

F1000Res. 2018 Dec 19:7:1955. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.16866.2. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

For a typical medical research project based on observational data, sequential routine analyses are often essential to comprehend the data on hand and to draw valid conclusions. However, generating reports in SAS ® for routine analyses can be a time-consuming and tedious process, especially when dealing with large databases with a massive number of variables in an iterative and collaborative research environment. In this work, we present a general workflow of research based on an observational database and a series of SAS ® macros that fits this framework, which covers a streamlined data analyses and produces journal-quality summary tables. The system is generic enough to fit a variety of research projects and enables researchers to build a highly organized and concise coding for quick updates as research evolves. The result reports promote communication in collaborations and will escort the research with ease and efficiency.

Keywords: Good-Research-Practice; SAS® macros; collaborative; observational studies; reporting; streamlined data process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research*
  • Data Analysis*
  • Databases, Factual*
  • Humans
  • Observational Studies as Topic / statistics & numerical data*
  • Software*