Beyond RCTs: Real-World Evidence and the Future of Sleep Research (w/Dr. Ellen Stothard) [Ep.147]

Episode SummaryIn 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 CoveredEllen's JourneyFrom psychology and French double major to a PhD in sleep and circadian rhythmsThe famous "Camping Study" and how natural light synchronizes our bodiesWhy academia wasn't the right fit and finding purpose in clinical dataBuilding Rebus Health: an integrative sleep medicine clinicUnderstanding Evidence-Based PracticeWhat "evidence-based" actually means (and what it doesn't)The difference between correlation and causationWhy negative findings are crucial but rarely publishedReal-world evidence vs. randomized controlled trialsResearch Methodology DemystifiedSmall, controlled studies (N=30) vs. large observational studies (N=50,000)Understanding statistical significance and what research can (and can't) tell youThe importance of understanding study assumptions and limitationsWhy averages hide responders and non-respondersClinical Practice as ResearchHow busy practitioners can gather research-quality dataThe power of before-and-after documentationWhy consistency matters more than perfectionOvercoming IRB fears: private IRBs and retrospective chart reviewsEarly Intervention vs. Watchful WaitingThe ethics of withholding treatment when harm is suspectedUsing "natural experiments" from patients who delayed treatmentWhy inaction carries responsibility tooBreaking Down SilosWhy dentists, sleep physicians, and researchers need to collaborateThe psychology of professional resistance to changeCreating bridges between academia and private practiceSpeaking each other's "language" across disciplinesMemorable 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 CliniciansStart gathering before-and-after data consistentlyUse validated questionnaires when possible (or create standardized questions)Document outcomes at regular intervalsConsider 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 | YouTubeJoin 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/