A Bayesian Approach to the Analysis of Data from Clinical Trials

Abstract

A Bayesian logical probability approach is described and its advantages with respect to constructing prior distributions for Bayesian analyses are discussed. Some standard Bayesian distribution theory for categorized data is summarized. Data from an on-going experiment to compare the relative efficacy of four operative treatments for ulcer are used both to pinpoint some of the practical problems involved in clinical trials and to demonstrate the usefulness of Bayesian inference methods when facing these problems.