Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess whether residents have the essential tools
and a sense of competency when evaluating published studies, especially the statistics.
Questionnaires were mailed to emergency medicine (EM) residency programs in the United
States querying residents' demographics and training in statistics as well as their
impressions and use of statistics in the current literature; a five-question statistical
quiz was also included. Possible responses of—almost always, more than ½ time, ½ time,
less than ½ time, almost never—were tallied individually as well as compared in groups
of polarized answers: over 1/2 time (almost always + more than ½ time) vs. under ½
time (less than ½ time + almost never). There were 495 questionnaires returned from
42 centers. No significant difference was found when comparing quiz performance with
participants' self-reported statistical knowledge. There were considerable differences
in the polarized answers (Over vs. Under), whether statistics: were used appropriately
(40% vs. 15%, respectively); were used to enhance weak data (54% vs. 13%, respectively);
enhanced their understanding of information (38% vs. 24%, respectively); simplified
complex data (26% vs. 41%, respectively); were understood by them (23% vs. 38%, respectively);
confused them (37% vs. 24%, respectively); were skipped (52% vs. 23%, respectively).
Participants felt there should be more statistical training (49% vs. 22%, Over vs.
Under, respectively). There was no difference in respondents who did or did not read
the statistics (39% vs. 34%, Over vs. Under, respectively). Many EM residents surveyed
do not trust, read, or understand statistics presented in current journal articles.
Residency programs may want to consider enhanced training in statistics.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 03, 2008
Accepted:
July 2,
2007
Received in revised form:
May 26,
2007
Received:
January 24,
2007
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
