Bayesian sample size determination in two-sample Poisson models

Sample size determination is a vital part of clinical studies where cost and safety concerns lead to greater importance of not using more subjects and resources than are required. The Bayesian approach to sample size determination has the advantages of being able to use prior data and expert opinion to possibly reduce the total sample size while also acknowledging all uncertainty at the design stage. We apply a Bayesian decision theoretic approach to the problem of comparing two Poisson rates and find the required sample size to obtain a desired power while controlling the Type I error rate.