Survival Analysis (Course code 0409)

Purpose

This course covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of the methodology relating to survival data. It will provide participants with the skills to use these essential techniques effectively.

Benefits to Participants

Participants will learn how to organize the survival data base, how to choose the appropriate unit of time, when to use discrete methods and when to use continuous methods, how to deal with left censor data, how to choose the correct SAS procedure, what to do with the proportionality assumption, how to calculate an R squared statistic, when and how to correct for unobserved heterogeneity, what the frequency is for measuring independent variables, what to do if there is more than one type of event, how to test the assumption concerning non-informative censor, and how to know whether a model fits well to the data.

Target Population

This course is of benefit to employees required to analyse data relating to events that span a period of time.

Course Outline

• Accelerated failure time models
• Weibull and Gompetz models
• Types of censor data
• Estimate of maximum likelihood
• Interpretation of parameters
• Proportional risk models
• Estimate of partial likelihood
• Concurrent risks
• Time-dependent variables
• Analysis of discrete data
• Analysis of sensitivity to censor data
• Choice of time axis
• Choice of models and quality of data adjustment
• Verifying the proportionality assumption
• Heterogeneity and time dependency
• R squared and standardized coefficient
• Repetitive events
• Left censor data and left truncation.

Prerequisites

Some experience with and knowledge of the principles of multiple regression and of the basic concepts of inductive statistics. Knowledge of matrix algebra, differential calculus or likelihood theory is not required.

Duration: 4 days