Analysing deviation-from-target data : Applying the correct force in Sellick’s maneuver

Baker, RD; Taylor, RJ; Smurthwaite, G; Kitchen, GB; Mehmood, I

Abstract

The problem of comparing the deviation from a target of two or more treatments or procedures
arises now and again in medicine. Practitioners usually carry out a t-test on a loss
function such as absolute error. We have adapted and developed statistical methods to give
a normative methodology for deviation-from-target problems and exemplify them by evaluating
the performance of a tactile feedback device. Parametric and nonparametric analyses
are compared and contrasted. We recommend nonparametric methods for inference about
loss functions such as absolute error, with a permutation test for testing the hypothesis that
the two methods perform identically, and the nonparametric bootstrap for deriving standard
errors and confidence intervals on loss function ratios. We develop a new permutation test
that can be used when the practitioner is unwilling to decide which loss function should be
used.We recommend parametric analysis when more insight into how one method is superior
is desired, or there are covariates, and discuss the complications. The results for our example
are that the tactile sensing device reduces an upward bias in applied force, and more importantly
reduces the spread (variance) of the applied force. It performs significantly better than
manual force application.

Citation

Baker, R., Taylor, R., Smurthwaite, G., Kitchen, G., & Mehmood, I. (2015). Analysing deviation-from-target data : Applying the correct force in Sellick’s maneuver. Journal of Biopharmaceutical Statistics, 25(4), 619-634. https://doi.org/10.1080/10543406.2014.920872

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 19, 2013
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Jun 30, 2015
• Journal: Journal of Biopharmaceutical Statistics
• Print ISSN: 1054-3406
• Electronic ISSN: 1520-5711
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 619-634
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10543406.2014.920872
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10543406.2014.920872
• Related Public URLs: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/lbps20#.VYgox6I0XTo