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New paper from the GCoVS project focussed on GBS validation

A new paper from the VAC4EU network was published in Vaccine as part of the Global COVID Vaccine Safety (GCoVS) project, an initiative coordinated by the Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) with extensive involvement from VAC4EU. The authors describe how they estimated the Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) across several data sources from our network. VAC4EU played a key role in enabling European participation in this work, which demonstrates the impact of coordinated case validation across multiple real-world data sources and global collaboration. The research also highlights that Brighton Collaboration criteria and in-hospital medical records are essential for accurate GBS validation, as diagnostic certainty improved significantly when cases were identified through hospital data. 

VAC4EU sets standard for harmonised case validation in real-world data studies

Our most recent open-source paper was published last week in Clinical Epidemiology! The article describes how VAC4EU developed a scalable pipeline for outcome validation using Brighton Collaboration case definitions and adapting Levels of Certainty criteria for real-world data as needed. Beyond VAC4EU, this framework could now become a blueprint for other researchers conducting retrospective pharmacoepidemiology studies with multiple heterogenous databases.

Uncertainty in science: Should we say more, or less? New Journal Club session 21 January

A more scientifically literate public enables better engagement and understanding on complex socioscientific issues like COVID-19 or climate change. But how far do we need to go as researchers, communicators and educators? In a world full of misinformation, how do we communicate results effectively without overselling the impact? Do we need to explain the uncertain […]