---
title: Using Instrumental Variables to Address Bias from Unobserved Confounders
description: >-
  Explore this publication on real-world evidence: Using Instrumental Variables
  to Address Bias from Unobserved Confounders..
date: '2019-01-01'
author: M. Alan Brookhart, PhD
category: Publications
tags:
  - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  - Approval & Commercialization
  - 'Yes'
  - Health System Partner
  - Duke University School of Medicine
  - Oral Presentation
  - JAMA
  - Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center
  - Methods/Pharmacoepi
  - R&D
canonical_url: >-
  https://www.headwaterscience.com/resources/publications/acad-university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill/using-instrumental-variables-to-address-bias-from/
source: Headwater Science
license: © 2026 Headwater Science. All rights reserved.
slug: using-instrumental-variables-to-address-bias-from
id: 4BEMk7kGJSOlPeOfSIV7jH
contentType: article
---

## Challenge

Instrumental variable methods offer the potential to address unobserved confounding in observational studies, but their application, assumptions, and interpretation in comparative safety and effectiveness research were not accessible to a general clinical audience.

## Solution

Target RWE's scientific advisor Alan Brookhart co-authored a JAMA Guide to Statistics and Methods on instrumental variable analysis, providing a non-technical accessible introduction to IV principles, assumptions, and interpretation.

## Impact

Publication in JAMA of an accessible IV methods guide authored by Target RWE's scientific advisor establishes Brookhart and by association Target RWE as leading methodological authorities.

## Use Cases / Links

Instrumental variable methodology guide for addressing unobserved confounding in comparative effectiveness research, JAMA-published methodological authority positioning for Target RWE's scientific leadership