Discuss why it is important for a person working in health care to understand statistical concepts. Provide an example of how statistical data is used in your organization or specialty area today and what you are expected to do with this information as a practitioner. No more than two paragraphs, at least 1 reference Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it
Understanding statistical concepts is crucial for healthcare professionals because it allows them to make informed decisions, apply evidence-based practice, and communicate effectively with patients and other stakeholders. Healthcare is a highly data-driven field, and statistical tools and techniques are used extensively to analyze, interpret, and present healthcare-related information. By understanding statistical concepts, healthcare professionals can confidently interpret research studies, evaluate treatment outcomes, and assess the safety and effectiveness of healthcare interventions.
One example of how statistical data is used in healthcare today is in the evaluation of patient outcomes. In my organization, we collect data on various patient outcomes, such as mortality rates, readmission rates, and infection rates, to assess the quality of care provided. Statistical analysis allows us to identify areas of improvement, track the effectiveness of intervention strategies, and compare our performance with national benchmarks. As a practitioner, I am expected to analyze and interpret these statistical data to identify trends and patterns, develop interventions to improve patient outcomes, and communicate the findings to other healthcare professionals and patients.
For instance, suppose my organization is interested in reducing the readmission rate for patients with heart failure. By analyzing the readmission data using statistical techniques such as regression analysis, we can identify patient characteristics and interventions that are associated with a higher risk of readmission. Based on these findings, we can develop and implement targeted interventions, such as improved discharge planning or enhanced patient education, to reduce readmissions. As a practitioner, my role would be to understand and apply these statistical concepts to inform my clinical decision-making and contribute to quality improvement efforts.
References:
1. Altman DG. Statistics in medical journals: developments in the 1980s. Statist Med. 1991;10(12):1897-1913. doi:10.1002/sim.4780101202.