Fragility Index and Relative Risk Index: Evaluating Clinical Significance in Research Findings

EasyChair Preprint no. 12264

Abstract

In clinical research, the interpretation of study findings relies not only on statistical significance but also on clinical significance. Two metrics that aid in this evaluation are the Fragility Index (FI) and the Relative Risk Index (RRI). The FI measures the robustness of statistically significant results by assessing how many patients would need to have a different outcome to change the significance of the findings. On the other hand, the RRI provides insight into the practical importance of the results by quantifying the relative risk reduction associated with an intervention. This paper aims to elucidate the importance of these indices in evaluating the clinical relevance of research findings. We discuss the concept of statistical significance versus clinical significance and highlight the limitations of relying solely on p-values to interpret study outcomes. By introducing the Fragility Index and the Relative Risk Index, researchers can move beyond statistical jargon and assess the true impact of interventions on patient outcomes. Additionally, we show how the Relative Risk Index can provide valuable insights into the magnitude of effect size and aid clinicians in decision-making regarding treatment strategies. In conclusion, the Fragility Index and Relative Risk Index offer valuable tools for assessing the clinical significance of research findings. Incorporating these metrics into the interpretation of study results enhances the transparency and reliability of evidence-based medicine, ultimately benefiting patient care and healthcare decisionmaking.

Keyphrases: clinical significance, decision making, effect size, evidence-based medicine, Fragility index, Healthcare, interpretation, Patient Outcomes, Relative Risk Index, research findings, statistical significance

@Booklet{EasyChair:12264,
  author = {Haney Zaki},
  title = {Fragility Index and Relative Risk Index: Evaluating Clinical Significance in Research Findings},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint no. 12264},

  year = {EasyChair, 2024}}