A Survey of Biostatistical Consulting Units Throughout North America

Abstract

Individuals who direct units providing biostatistical services in the area of health care frequently encounter a number of issues and problems common to this setting. To facilitate the exchange of ideas and solutions, we conducted a survey of leaders of groups providing biostatistical services in health care research settings throughout the United States and Canada. The survey included information regarding the organizational structures, salary ranges, sources of funding, computer resources, and operational concerns of these units. Respondents identified recruitment of qualified biostatisticians, inadequate institutional funding, lack of coauthorship on collaborative manuscripts, and inadequate time for independent research as major issues. Possible solutions and recommendations regarding these issues were discussed at a meeting of the heads of 19 units participating in the survey. This group, the Heads of Units of Biostatistics (HUBS), continues to meet biannually to discuss these common concerns. A summary of the survey results and ensuing discussion by HUBS are presented here.

Key Words:

• Biostatistical units
• Consulting services