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[Knowledge of physicians and dentists about biomathematical-epidemiologic methods]
1Zahnärztlicher Dienst beim Gesundheitsamt, Stadt Wuppertal.
Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband Der Arzte Des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))
|August 11, 1998
Summary
Physicians demonstrate better statistical knowledge than dental surgeons, with many unable to fully comprehend scientific articles. This highlights a need for improved statistical education in dentistry.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Biostatistics
- Health Sciences
Context:
- A study assessed statistical knowledge among physicians and dental surgeons.
- A questionnaire on statistical terms and methods was distributed.
- Response rate was 27% (264/600), with 183 physicians and 81 dental surgeons participating.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the statistical literacy of physicians and dental surgeons.
- To identify disparities in statistical understanding between the two groups.
- To determine the implications for interpreting scientific literature.
Summary:
- Physicians scored significantly higher (median 10.1 correct) than dental surgeons (median 6.2 correct).
- 60% of physicians and 14% of dental surgeons answered at least half the questions correctly.
- Only 14% of physicians and 2.5% of dental surgeons demonstrated good statistical knowledge (over 2/3 correct).
Impact:
- Findings suggest many physicians and particularly dental surgeons struggle to benefit from statistically oriented research.
- Low response rate from dental surgeons may indicate even poorer statistical skills.
- Recommends closer alignment of dental surgery education with human medicine regarding statistical training.