'Plugging the gap': development of a plain language glossary for statistical methodology research.

Background: Plain language glossaries of research-related terms are a useful resource for Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities. They can provide public contributors with a deeper understanding of aspects of the project such as the study design, the methods being used for data analysis, and the interpretation of results. However, whilst plain language glossaries of research-related terms exist, they do not always include definitions for concepts that are commonly used in statistical methodology research. The aims of this work were to (1 develop a plain language glossary of the statistical methodology research terms that were missing from the existing glossaries and 2) outline the process used to develop the glossary to aid researchers in producing a glossary relevant to their own research projects. Methods: By conducting online searches and consulting members of the Biostatistics Research Group at the University of Leicester, we conducted a scoping exercise in August 2023 to identify glossaries aimed at members of the public that included definitions of statistical terms. We then reviewed the glossaries to develop a list of terms that are commonly used in the statistical methodology research conducted by the Biostatistics Research Group at the University of Leicester, which had not already been defined. Initial definitions of these terms were generated using ChatGPT (GPT-3.5). These were then refined and discussed with public contributors. Three cycles of PPIE feedback were used to further develop and update the definitions for use in the glossary. Results: We reviewed gaps in five existing glossaries and identified a list of 64 statistical terms to develop definitions for. These covered a range of concepts including different types of statistical models, Bayesian analysis, meta-analysis, and prognostic modelling. The feedback we received from public contributors focused on the level of language used, shortening the length of the definitions, and including examples to give context to the definitions. Conclusions: We developed a plain language glossary of terms that are commonly used in statistical methodology research as a resource for public contributors taking part in PPIE. The glossary has been made available on the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre website (https://leicesterbrc.nihr.ac.uk/ppismart/ppismart-definitions/).<p></p>