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Abstract:
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With the advances in information technology and the demand for evidence-based-practice, health care professionals in sports and exercise medicine settings need to constantly evaluate research findings for effectiveness and information. Having statistical knowledge is an important component for critical appraisal of peer-reviewed literature.Objective: To assess, knowledge of statistics among healthcare professionals in a sports medicine setting. Method: A validated test was administered to evaluate 1) understanding of statistical methods, 2) study design, and 3) interpretation of results. A total of 120 participants completed the survey. A sub-sample of participants completed the same biostatistics knowledge test post 24hrs of theory and practical classes delivered over a 2 months period. Percentage of total correct answers were used to compare knowledge by frequency of access to medical literature and participant's demographic characteristics. Results: Out of the 120 participants who completed the survey, n=84 provided complete tests. Overall, biostatistics knowledge score was 48%±19%.The retention of biostatistics knowledge lowered following 1 year after training.
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