[Do physicians interpret therapy outcome differently than students?]

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Research Interpretation
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Medical literature and advertising present study results in diverse formats, potentially confusing readers.
• Accurate interpretation of therapeutic data is crucial for effective clinical decision-making.
• Understanding how physicians and students analyze medical study results is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether physicians learn to analyze medical results correctly during medical school or their careers.
• To determine if interpretation of therapeutic data differs among 4th-year students, 6th-year students, and physicians.
• To assess the impact of different result presentation methods (absolute risk reduction, relative risk reduction, NNT, event-free percentage) on therapeutic choices.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire presented one result from the Helsinki Heart Study in four different formats.
• Participants included 4th-year medical students, 6th-year medical students, and physicians (before and after an evidence-based medicine course).
• Participants were asked to select a drug for therapy based on the presented results.

Main Results:

• The majority of participants perceived the drug presented with relative risk reduction as the most effective.
• Physicians participating in an evidence-based medicine (EBM) course demonstrated improved statistical data analysis.
• No significant difference in interpretation was found between students and physicians not engaged in EBM training.

Conclusions:

• The presentation format of scientific study results significantly influences their interpretation across all groups.
• Interpretation of medical studies should be integrated into medical school curricula and continuing education.
• Standardizing the presentation of study results in absolute figures is recommended for easier comparison and accurate understanding.