Mediator adjustment decision record =================================== StatMedAnalysis | Original downloadable worksheet | 6 November 2026 Distinguish total-effect questions from pathways involving post-exposure variables. How to use this worksheet Place exposure, candidate mediator and outcome in temporal order. State whether the aim concerns the overall exposure effect or a specifically defined direct or indirect effect. Record mediator–outcome confounding and whether exposure changes that confounding. Do not interpret coefficient attenuation alone as a mediation analysis. Save a working copy and keep the original blank version. Use public, hypothetical or aggregate information only; do not enter patient identifiers, credentials or confidential records. Keep source evidence in your approved project workspace. Mark unresolved text fields UNKNOWN or NOT REPORTED with a reason; never substitute zero for an unknown count. Project/version __________________ Prepared by role/date __________________ Working fields 1. Exposure contrast Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 2. Candidate mediator and timing Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. Outcome horizon Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 4. Total or pathway-specific question Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 5. Mediator measurement process Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 6. Mediator–outcome common causes Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 7. Exposure-induced confounding concern Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 8. Method assumptions and reporting wording Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Hypothetical worked case A fictional exercise intervention may alter body mass before changing blood pressure. Adjusting for post-intervention body mass changes the question and can introduce bias; a smaller exercise coefficient does not by itself quantify mediation. Decision rule and limitations Use a mediation method only after specifying its estimand and identifying assumptions. Otherwise retain the total-effect analysis and describe mechanistic questions as unresolved. Decision _______________________ Remaining uncertainty ____________________ Next action ____________________ Owner / review date ______________________ Independent check and discrepancy resolution _______________________________ Official method or reporting reference checked 6 November 2026 https://miguelhernan.org/whatifbook This is an original planning aid, not an official checklist, validated instrument, clinical recommendation or certificate of expert approval. Apply the referenced guidance to the specific design and record any additional requirements.