The organization of statistical activities at medical research institutions

In this paper, we discuss the organizational structure for the conduct of statistical activities at medical Colleges and Universities. Here, we have particularly focused on two significant statistical activities, i.e., statistical consultation and research. The consulting service for medical researchers consists of practical statistical analysis, instruction on computer manipulation and software, response to reviewer's comments and statistical design of prospective studies. From our various experiences, we describe the actual implementation of statistical consultations for medical researchers. It has played an important role in supporting medical research. In addition, we also outline some research, with respect to new ways of applying statistics in medical science. This paper concludes that it may be practical for the existing computer center or department of medical informatics, in charge of the computing service, to conduct statistical activities until formal organizations are established at the academic institution. To realize the conduct of statistical activities by Department of Medical Informatics, it needs a team of biostatisticians, data analysts and computer personnel.