Margaret MacDougall|Helen Cameron|Simon Maxwell
Medical graduate views on statistical learning needs for clinical practice: a comprehensive survey
University of Edinburgh|Aston University|Western General Hospital|University of Edinburgh
abstract background paper seeks contribute reputable evidence base required competencies across different topics statistics probability statistical topics preparing medical graduates clinical practice order inform prioritization statistical topics within future undergraduate medical curricula exploring need preparing tomorrows doctors producers merely consumers statistics methods conducted comprehensive online survey july 2013 august 2014 target group 462 medical graduates current prior experience teaching undergraduate medical students university edinburgh 278 602 responded statistical topics ranked proportion respondents identified practice statistics performing statistical procedures calculations using appropriate data required competency medical schools provide preparing undergraduate medical students clinical practice mixed effects analyses used identify potential predictors selection competency compare likelihood selection range statistical topics versus critical appraisal results evidence gleaned medical graduates experiences clinical practice need theoretical understanding statistics probability also ability practice statistics nature employment statistical topic highly significant predictors choice practice statistics required competency f 3777 p lt 00005 f 45834 p lt 00005 respectively popular topic competency graphical presentation data 843 respondents contrast crossover trials competency understanding theory 705 respondents several topics found popular critical appraisal competency practice statistics conclusions model medical graduates mere consumers statistics oversimplified contrary suggested elsewhere statistical learning opportunities undergraduate medicine restricted development critical appraisal skills indeed findings support development learning opportunities undergraduate medical students producers statistics across wide range statistical topics