Beyond RCTs: Real-World Evidence and the Future of Sleep Research (w/Dr. Ellen Stothard) [Ep.147]
The DOC PodcastShow Notes
Episode Summary In this in-depth conversation, I welcome Dr. Ellen Stothard, PhD, a sleep researcher with expertise in integrative physiology, neuroscience, and data analytics. Ellen shares her unconventional journey from psychology student to sleep science researcher to clinical data specialist, offering a unique perspective on what "evidence-based" really means and how clinicians can become everyday researchers.
Key Topics Covered Ellen's Journey From psychology and French double major to a PhD in sleep and circadian rhythms The famous "Camping Study" and how natural light synchronizes our bodies Why academia wasn't the right fit and finding purpose in clinical data Building Rebus Health: an integrative sleep medicine clinic Understanding Evidence-Based Practice What "evidence-based" actually means (and what it doesn't) The difference between correlation and causation Why negative findings are crucial but rarely published Real-world evidence vs. randomized controlled trials Research Methodology Demystified Small, controlled studies (N=30) vs. large observational studies (N=50,000) Understanding statistical significance and what research can (and can't) tell you The importance of understanding study assumptions and limitations Why averages hide responders and non-responders Clinical Practice as Research How busy practitioners can gather research-quality data The power of before-and-after documentation Why consistency matters more than perfection Overcoming IRB fears: private IRBs and retrospective chart reviews Early Intervention vs. Watchful Waiting The ethics of withholding treatment when harm is suspected Using "natural experiments" from patients who delayed treatment Why inaction carries responsibility too Breaking Down Silos Why dentists, sleep physicians, and researchers need to collaborate The psychology of professional resistance to change Creating bridges between academia and private practice Speaking each other's "language" across disciplines Memorable Quotes -"The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence." -"You can only call it evidence-based if you know what the science says AND what it doesn't say." -"If you're not looking, you won't necessarily find it." -"We can't just say 'okay, you feel better, bye.' We need to understand: you came in, you tested this way, we did something, it made you better. What happened?" -"Your clinical data IS evidence. You have the ability to generate the evidence yourselves."
Practical Takeaways for Clinicians Start gathering before-and-after data consistently Use validated questionnaires when possible (or create standardized questions) Document outcomes at regular intervals Consider hiring data analysts or partnering with graduate students Explore private IRBs for faster, easier research approval Retrospective chart reviews can be powerful research tools Looking at your outcomes makes you a better clinician LINKS: Rebis Health: Research email: [email protected] Website: https://www.rebishealth.org/ Social Links: FB | IG | LinkedIn | YouTube Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/ Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/
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