---
title: >-
  Characterizing the Distribution of Multiple Negative Control Outcome Risk
  Differences
description: >-
  Explore this publication on real-world evidence: Characterizing the
  Distribution of Multiple Negative Control Outcome Risk Differences..
date: '2023-01-01'
author: David Pritchard
category: Publications
tags:
  - ICPE
  - Approval & Commercialization
  - 'Yes'
  - Oral Presentation
  - Methods/Pharmacoepi
  - R&D
canonical_url: >-
  https://www.headwaterscience.com/resources/publications/icpe/characterizing-the-distribution-of-multiple-negative/
source: Headwater Science
license: © 2026 Headwater Science. All rights reserved.
slug: characterizing-the-distribution-of-multiple-negative
id: 5RXNl4dzLjrOCrkXQ4AxHI
contentType: article
---

## Challenge

Multiple NCOs are frequently analyzed simultaneously to assess unmeasured confounding, but the statistical distribution of NCO risk differences under different confounding scenarios had not been characterized.

## Solution

Target RWE researchers presented an oral analysis characterizing the distribution of multiple NCO risk differences under varying confounding levels, providing a statistical framework for interpreting multi-NCO results and distinguishing true confounding signals from chance variation.

## Impact

Providing a statistical framework for interpreting multiple NCO results enables Target RWE and pharma partners to make more calibrated decisions about whether NCO findings indicate actionable bias.

## Use Cases / Links

Multi-NCO risk difference distribution characterization for calibrated confounding interpretation in RWE programs, Statistical framework for NCO gating decisions in regulatory-grade comparative effectiveness studies