Question

Consider your organization or specialty area and how you utilize statistical knowledge. Discuss how you obtain statistical data, how statistical knowledge is used in day-to-day operations and how you apply it or use it in decision making.

Answer 1

Statistics is the science of collection and analysis of large quantities of numerical data for deducing portions in entirety from those in a specimen. In medical practice, statistics is used to collect, summarize, present, and interpret medical data, which in turn is used to test hypotheses and estimate the extent of associations. Medical statistics has a pivotal role in medical investigation. Statistical data is obtained by primary data collection as well as secondary data collection. Quantitative data is obtained by surveys, observations, experiments, etc., and qualitative data is obtained from focus groups, case studies, etc. Statistical knowledge aids in discoveries, evidence-based practice, decision-making based on available data, and prediction of outcomes. Medical decision-making is done based on the statistical information gathered from past experiences, evidence, experiments, etc. Statistics aids medical decision making by helping to set up numerical benchmarks, and observe and evaluate the improvement of any study.