Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Medicine: A Practical Review for Clinicians

Biostatistics forms the foundation of evidence-based medicine by providing the methods required to design, analyse, interpret, and critically appraise clinical research. Despite its importance, many clinicians find statistical concepts difficult to understand and apply in everyday practice.

This review provides a practical overview of the fundamental principles of biostatistics relevant to clinicians involved in research or the interpretation of medical literature.

and content: Key concepts discussed include the hierarchy of evidence, development of research questions and hypotheses, population and sample selection, sample size determination and statistical power, variable classification, and the distinction between descriptive and inferential statistics. The article also introduces the principles of data organisation, univariate, bivariate, and multivariable analyses, and the factors influencing the selection of appropriate statistical models based on study design, variable type, and data characteristics. Throughout, the emphasis is on understanding the rationale behind statistical methods rather than on mathematical derivations, enabling clinicians to critically evaluate published studies and communicate effectively with statisticians.

By providing a structured introduction to core biostatistical concepts, this review aims to improve statistical literacy, facilitate evidence-based clinical decision-making, and support clinicians in conducting and interpreting high-quality clinical research.