Further Results on Target Trials and Structural Nested Models: Emulating RCTs using Observational Longitudinal Data

Oregon Convention Center 

Target trials are RCTs one would like to conduct but cannot for ethical, financial, and/or logistical reasons. Consequently, we must emulate such trials from observational data. A novel aspect of target trial methodology is that, for purposes of data analysis, each subject in the observational study is 'enrolled' in all target trials for which the subject is eligible, instead of a single trial. I will discuss new results related to target trials and structural nested models including the handling of k incompatible treatment arms, treatment arms that are initially the same, failure to meet eligibility criteria in one or more trials, and optimal treatment regime estimation.