Alison,
I think your research question is interesting because it has direct impacts on how patients with IPF are able to get access to more advanced treatments, especially if outcomes are worse based on their geography. Rural vs. urban geographies is likely mediated by is likely mediated by distance to a clinic that treats these patients. I do think that smoking is likely associated with rural vs. urban settings as well as PFT decline, therefore I would control for it more as a confounder or even see if it is an additional mediator between the geography and outcomes.
Good job,
Nikko
I think your research question is interesting because it has direct impacts on how patients with IPF are able to get access to more advanced treatments, especially if outcomes are worse based on their geography. Rural vs. urban geographies is likely mediated by is likely mediated by distance to a clinic that treats these patients. I do think that smoking is likely associated with rural vs. urban settings as well as PFT decline, therefore I would control for it more as a confounder or even see if it is an additional mediator between the geography and outcomes.
Good job,
Nikko