Study calls for more diverse representation in statistical methodology research

Academics from the University of Leicester are calling on research teams to prioritise equity at every stage of the research process, recommending the use of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Design Service (RDS) EDI toolkit as a practical guide.

According to the NIHR, EDI encompasses the pursuit of fair treatment, equal access to opportunities, equitable outcomes, and inclusive representation across all areas of research.

To build on this, the Leicester team has proposed five key recommendations to strengthen the EDI toolkit, with a particular focus on the specific challenges faced in statistical methodology research. These include conducting formal assessments and applying both prospective and retrospective evaluations that are sensitive to context and population.

The researchers also highlighted the importance of working with diverse datasets, clearly reporting EDI considerations and limitations, incorporating inclusive practices into dissemination strategies, and actively promoting EDI principles in the peer review process.

The research was funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre. 

Professor Laura Gray, Theme Lead for  the NIHR ARC East Midlands Data2Health theme and Professor of Medical Statistics at the University of Leicester, said: “Integrating inclusive thinking into every stage of statistical methodology research isn’t just a matter of fairness, it leads to more meaningful, impactful results that truly reflect the needs of all communities.” 

“This work reinforces that designing studies with awareness of structural and social differences leads to stronger, more relevant evidence.”

She added: “The NIHR Research Design Service EDI toolkit provides researchers with a vital, hands-on framework to guide the integration of inclusive practices at every stage of the research process.”

Statistical methodology research is a crucial part of healthcare research, involving finding new – or the best – statistical tools to analyse data. 

To further enhance public understanding and engagement, Professor Laura Gray has also co-developed accessible resources, including a short animation, that explain statistical methodology and research techniques. 

These resources, created in collaboration with public contributors, can be downloaded at: https://leicesterbrc.nihr.ac.uk/ppismart/. 

To access the full research study, click here.