About

OpenEpi is an Open Source effort to replace and extend the EpiTable and Statcalc programs in Epi Info with web-compatible programs and links in JavaScript. Although OpenEpi is not a direct product of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the OpenEpi and Epi Info teams communicate frequently and share many of the same goals.

Background

•   Commercial software does not always meet the needs of epidemiologists

•   Hundreds of statistical calculators are available, e.g., Statcalc, PEPI, spreadsheet-based, web-based, etc.

•   There is wide variation in usability, layout, documentation, breadth of coverage, accuracy, and access to source code

Goals of OpenEpi

•   Provide up-to-date, documented, tested programs using a common interface

•   Run programs across the web or locally

•   Platform independence

•   Open Source approach

•   Foster interaction among epidemiologists and others in development

How does OpenEpi achieve these goals?

•   Use of JavaScript and HTML

–   Platform independent (Win, Mac, Unix)

–   Included with browsers (Explorer, Netscape, etc.)

–   Interpretive (source code available)

–   Make programs available from a server or allow user to download and run locally

•   Common Interface

–   Standard data entry screens

–   Standard output

–   Standard graphics

Status of OpenEpi …

•    Analytic routines (for users)

–   CI for a single proportion or rate, median percentile

– t-test and ANOVA

–   2x2 table (counts or person-time rates)

–   RxC table

–   Pair-matched analysis

–   Sample size calculators for proportions, unmatched case-control and cohort studies, and mean difference

– Power calculations for cohort, cross-sectional, and unmatched case-control studies, clinical trials, and mean difference

–   Random number generator

–   Dose Response (chi square for trend)

–   Diagnostic method evaluation

– Options to set table orientation, confidence level, and (if available) language

– Ability to download the entire package and run it from a hard disk or from a CDROM

•    Tool box for developers

•    Simple methods for translation into non English languages

Features …

•     Stratified tables

•     Screening tests

•     Saving result files (MS Windows only for now)

•     Loading demo data from result file

•     File naming convention and directory structure

•     Robust data entry (no instructions needed)

•     Automatic column and row totals

•     'Check Code' in JavaScript

•     HTML output

Collaboration

•    We would like your input:

–       What types of analyses?

–       Did you find any problems or errors?

–      Would you assist in testing programs?

–      Would you like to develop programs?

–       Which links should we have?

–       Please email us at the addresses on the main menu