Shari Messinger, PhD¹, Robert C. Duncan, PhD², Lee Crandall, PhD³, Clyde B. McCoy, PhD³, Kristopher Arheart, PhD³, and Gabriel Cardenas, MPH³. (1) Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami School of Medicine, P.O. 016069, D-93, Miami, FL 33101, 305-243-6230, smessinger@med.miami.edu, (2) Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Miami School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016960 (D4-11), Miami, FL 33101, (3) Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, P.O Box 016069, Miami, FL 33101

The provision of high quality biostatistical services is essential to public health and behavioral research programs on drug abuse and AIDS. To support its research, the University of Miami Drug Abuse and AIDS Research Center, a NIDA funded center, designed and implemented a shared resource, the Center for Biostatistical Collaboration and Research (CBRC). The CBRC supports the effort of both faculty and technical personnel and integrates methodological, biostatistical, epidemiological and computing resources. Methodological and statistical support provided by the CBRC include study design, power calculations and analysis plans in support of grant development as well as data management, performance of statistical analyses and preparation of manuscripts for both pilot and funded projects. Without such support, individual projects typically vest these responsibilities in internal staff members, who may be asked to perform such a wide variety of functions for that they are unable to provide either efficient approaches or adequate expertise. Through this integrated resource, support can be shared by developmental and funded projects across disciplines. The CBRC as a shared resource allows staff and faculty effort to be focused on their areas of expertise and promotes economies of scale in routine functions like data entry and data management. The value of this approach has been evident throughout the Drug Abuse and AIDS Research Center which funds seven developmental projects in drug use and AIDS as well as three international pilot projects. All developmental project investigators are able to collaborate with statisticians of the CBRC for statistical support.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this poster session, participants will be able to

• Identify advantages of shared biostatistical resources.
• Understand the approach employed by a shared resource such as a biostatistical center.
• Discuss the importance of integrating and using shared resources in support of research.

Keywords: Biostatistics, Drug Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.