CSP 2017 Online Program

What Effort Is Needed in Explaining Statistical Results to Pediatric Researchers? A Survey to Better Understand the Confidence and Knowledge of Pediatric Researchers (303427)

Keywords: pediatrics, clinical research, knowledge, communication, consulting, effective presentation, survey

In academic consulting environments, there is often a struggle between advancing statistical practice and providing analysis your audience will understand. Therefore, understanding how your investigators interpret statistical concepts is key to having a positive and productive statistician-client relationship. Methods: We administered an electronic survey to pediatric researchers at a large academic medical center. The survey requested demographic and credential information, as well as responses gauging knowledge and comfort with statistical topics. Subject matter questions were in the form of 5-point Likert scale or true/false.

Results: A total of 74 surveys were collected. 44 respondents (60%) had a graduate degree (PhD, MPH, MSc). Software familiarity was constrained to Excel (55%) and SPSS (39%). Respondents were “Very Confident” in their ability to interpret descriptive statistics and p-values (median = 5), but “Less Confident” with results from multivariable models (median = 2). 95% confidence intervals were most commonly misinterpreted (31%). Confidence in interpretation was significantly associated with research experience, academic degrees, and additional statistical training.

Conclusion: Pediatric researchers are confident in understanding basic statistics, but require statistician assistance when more advanced methods are utilized.