Machine Learning in Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Research

Posted: 7 Apr 2020

Date Written: April 2020

Abstract

Machine learning approaches to modeling of epidemiologic data are becoming increasingly more prevalent in the literature. These methods have the potential to improve our understanding of health and opportunities for intervention, far beyond our past capabilities. This article provides a walkthrough for creating supervised machine learning models with current examples from the literature. From identifying an appropriate sample and selecting features through training, testing, and assessing performance, the end-to-end approach to machine learning can be a daunting task. We take the reader through each step in the process and discuss novel concepts in the area of machine learning, including identifying treatment effects and explaining the output from machine learning models.

Suggested Citation

Wiemken, Timothy L. and Kelley, Robert R., Machine Learning in Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Research (April 2020). Annual Review of Public Health, Vol. 41, pp. 21-36, 2020, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3570372 or http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040119-094437

Timothy L. Wiemken (Contact Author)

Saint Louis University ( email )

3545 Lafayette Ave
#411
Saint Louis, MO 63104
United States

Robert R. Kelley

Bellarmine University ( email )

2001 Newburg Rd
Louisville, KY 40250
United States

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