Data Analysis
Typically, data analysis is performed when data collection for the study is complete, the data has been cleaned, and the data base is locked. In certain instances, the protocol may specify that interim analyses will be performed during study conduct. In the data analysis stage, investigators follow pre-specified statistical analysis plans to draw conclusions on study outcomes.
Dissemination of Results
Once results have been generated, study teams disseminate the results through various platforms, such as scientific journals and presentations at scientific meetings. At this stage, adherence to NIH dissemination and data-sharing policies such as submitting to PubMed Central and posting information on ClinicalTrials.gov, is expected when conducting NIH-funded clinical research subject to these policies.
Data Sharing
NIH has a longstanding commitment to scientific data sharing. Responsible data management and sharing have many benefits, including accelerating the pace of biomedical research, enabling validation of research results, and providing accessibility to high-value datasets. NIDCR prioritizes the public sharing of scientific data and promotes the secondary use of data to drive advances in dental, oral, and craniofacial research areas.