A review of the use of propensity score diagnostics in papers published in high-ranking medical journals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Propensity scores are widely used to deal with confounding bias in medical research. An incorrectly specified propensity score model may lead to residual confounding bias; therefore it is essential to use diagnostics to assess propensity scores in a propensity score analysis. The current use of propensity score diagnostics in the medical literature is unknown. The objectives of this study are to (1) assess the use of propensity score diagnostics in medical studies published in high-ranking journals, and (2) assess whether the use of propensity score diagnostics differs between studies (a) in different research areas and (b) using different propensity score methods.

Methods

A PubMed search identified studies published in high-impact journals between Jan 1st 2014 an

SUBMITTER: Granger E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7251670 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature