Propensity-score analysis in thoracic surgery: When, why, and an introduction to how

Daniel G Winger; Katie S Nason

doi:10.1016/j.jtcvs.2016.02.036

Propensity-score analysis in thoracic surgery: When, why, and an introduction to how

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2016 Jun;151(6):1484-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2016.02.036. Epub 2016 Feb 24.

Authors

Daniel G Winger¹, Katie S Nason²

Affiliations

¹ Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.
² Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa. Electronic address: nasonks@upmc.edu.

PMID: 27207121
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2016.02.036

Abstract

Propensity score matching is a valuable tool for dealing with observational data and nonrandom treatment assignment, which often results in groups that differ systematically in numerous measured and unmeasured variables. When these systematically different variables are associated with both group assignment and the outcome(s) of interest, bias is introduced. Propensity score matching assigns a propensity for group assignment, which is then used to create 2 groups that are balanced across all possible variables that might influence exposure assignment. When used in the proper conditions, these analytics allow for more accurate and precise estimates of risk for a variety of outcomes.

Keywords: epidemiologic methods; probability; propensity score.

Publication types

Editorial

MeSH terms

Humans
Observational Studies as Topic / methods*
Propensity Score*
Thoracic Surgical Procedures*