A case study in statistical software development for advanced evidence synthesis: the combined value of analysts and research software engineers
Abstract Background Since 2015, the Complex Reviews Synthesis Unit (CRSU) has developed a suite of web-based applications (apps) that conduct complex evidence synthesis meta-analyses through point-and-click interfaces. This has been achieved in the R programming language by combining existing R pack...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Research Methodology |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-024-02450-9 |
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| author | Naomi Bradbury Tom Morris Clareece Nevill Janion Nevill Ryan Field Suzanne Freeman Nicola Cooper Alex Sutton |
| author_facet | Naomi Bradbury Tom Morris Clareece Nevill Janion Nevill Ryan Field Suzanne Freeman Nicola Cooper Alex Sutton |
| author_sort | Naomi Bradbury |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Since 2015, the Complex Reviews Synthesis Unit (CRSU) has developed a suite of web-based applications (apps) that conduct complex evidence synthesis meta-analyses through point-and-click interfaces. This has been achieved in the R programming language by combining existing R packages that conduct meta-analysis with the shiny web-application package. The CRSU apps have evolved from two short-term student projects into a suite of eight apps that are used for more than 3,000 h per month. Aim Here, we present our experience of developing production grade web-apps from the point-of-view of individuals trained primarily as statisticians rather than software developers in the hopes of encouraging and inspiring other groups to develop valuable open-source statistical software whilst also learning from our experiences. Key challenges We discuss how we have addressed challenges to research software development such as responding to feedback from our real-world users to improve the CRSU apps, the implementation of software engineering principles into our app development process and gaining recognition for non-traditional research work within the academic environment. Future developments The CRSU continues to seek funding opportunities both to maintain and further develop our shiny apps. We aim to increase our user base by implementing new features within the apps and building links with other groups developing complementary evidence synthesis tools. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-f54d76f663ae44a09e0e84b31348b070 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2288 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Research Methodology |
| spelling | doaj-art-f54d76f663ae44a09e0e84b31348b0702025-01-19T12:28:13ZengBMCBMC Medical Research Methodology1471-22882025-01-0125111210.1186/s12874-024-02450-9A case study in statistical software development for advanced evidence synthesis: the combined value of analysts and research software engineersNaomi Bradbury0Tom Morris1Clareece Nevill2Janion Nevill3Ryan Field4Suzanne Freeman5Nicola Cooper6Alex Sutton7Biostatistics Research Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of LeicesterBiostatistics Research Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of LeicesterBiostatistics Research Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of LeicesterBiostatistics Research Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of LeicesterComplex Reviews Synthesis Unit (CRSU), Universities of Leicester and GlasgowBiostatistics Research Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of LeicesterBiostatistics Research Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of LeicesterBiostatistics Research Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of LeicesterAbstract Background Since 2015, the Complex Reviews Synthesis Unit (CRSU) has developed a suite of web-based applications (apps) that conduct complex evidence synthesis meta-analyses through point-and-click interfaces. This has been achieved in the R programming language by combining existing R packages that conduct meta-analysis with the shiny web-application package. The CRSU apps have evolved from two short-term student projects into a suite of eight apps that are used for more than 3,000 h per month. Aim Here, we present our experience of developing production grade web-apps from the point-of-view of individuals trained primarily as statisticians rather than software developers in the hopes of encouraging and inspiring other groups to develop valuable open-source statistical software whilst also learning from our experiences. Key challenges We discuss how we have addressed challenges to research software development such as responding to feedback from our real-world users to improve the CRSU apps, the implementation of software engineering principles into our app development process and gaining recognition for non-traditional research work within the academic environment. Future developments The CRSU continues to seek funding opportunities both to maintain and further develop our shiny apps. We aim to increase our user base by implementing new features within the apps and building links with other groups developing complementary evidence synthesis tools.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-024-02450-9Academic scientific software developmentWeb applicationsAppsEvidence synthesis |
| spellingShingle | Naomi Bradbury Tom Morris Clareece Nevill Janion Nevill Ryan Field Suzanne Freeman Nicola Cooper Alex Sutton A case study in statistical software development for advanced evidence synthesis: the combined value of analysts and research software engineers BMC Medical Research Methodology Academic scientific software development Web applications Apps Evidence synthesis |
| title | A case study in statistical software development for advanced evidence synthesis: the combined value of analysts and research software engineers |
| title_full | A case study in statistical software development for advanced evidence synthesis: the combined value of analysts and research software engineers |
| title_fullStr | A case study in statistical software development for advanced evidence synthesis: the combined value of analysts and research software engineers |
| title_full_unstemmed | A case study in statistical software development for advanced evidence synthesis: the combined value of analysts and research software engineers |
| title_short | A case study in statistical software development for advanced evidence synthesis: the combined value of analysts and research software engineers |
| title_sort | case study in statistical software development for advanced evidence synthesis the combined value of analysts and research software engineers |
| topic | Academic scientific software development Web applications Apps Evidence synthesis |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-024-02450-9 |
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