Missing Data: The Importance and Impact of Missing Data from Clinical Research

Christine R Padgett; Clive E Skilbeck; Mathew J Summers

doi:10.1017/BrImp.2014.2

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Missing Data: The Importance and Impact of Missing Data from Clinical Research

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Missing Data: The Importance and Impact of Missing Data from Clinical Research

Christine R Padgett, Clive E Skilbeck and Mathew J Summers

Brain Impairment, Vol.15(1), pp.1-9

2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/BrImp.2014.2

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Abstract

Medical and Health Sciences

Psychology and Cognitive Sciences

missing data

multiple imputation

traumatic brain injury

There is compelling evidence that traditional methods used to address the detrimental impacts of missing data are inadequate. Despite this, researchers have been slow to utilise newer statistical approaches known to be more effective. The aim of the current article is to offer a conceptual explanation of the rationale for using newer missing data techniques, with a focus on multiple imputation (MI). To illustrate the relative efficacy of deletion, single imputation and multiple imputation techniques in the clinical setting, 20 cases were selected randomly from a population study investigating the cognitive sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and 8 out of 20 cases had scores on one variable deleted to simulate a missing data set. Comparing the parameter estimates obtained by each technique to the known parameters of the complete data set revealed that MI outperformed deletion and single imputation approaches. It is therefore recommended that more sophisticated techniques such as MI should be considered in clinical research.

Details

Title: Missing Data: The Importance and Impact of Missing Data from Clinical Research
Authors: Christine R Padgett (Author) - University of Tasmania
Clive E Skilbeck (Author) - University of Tasmania
Mathew J Summers (Author) - University of Tasmania
Publication details: Brain Impairment, Vol.15(1), pp.1-9
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date published: 2014
DOI: 10.1017/BrImp.2014.2
ISSN: 1443-9646
Organisation Unit: School of Health; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449058102621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Clinical Neurology; Neurosciences; Rehabilitation

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