Self-controlled observation and risk windows

Partition baseline and risk periods

Partition each person’s observation into nonoverlapping intervals with recorded durations. Define risk windows before inspecting associations and address pre-exposure periods, repeated exposures and age or calendar effects.

Flow diagram

Steps

Define observation start and end

Document age bounds, registration, death and capture coverage.

Construct exposure episodes

Specify dose dates, repeats and overlapping exposure handling.

Partition risk and baseline periods

Define prespecified risk, washout and optional pre-exposure periods.

Partition age and calendar effects

Record time-varying strata and exact person-time allocation.

Check nonoverlap and completeness

Ensure all included observation time has a documented classification.