Overview of Statistics in Biostatistics

Overview of Statistics

• Statistics is crucial for planning studies, experiments, and interpreting data.
• Involves organizing, summarizing, presenting, analyzing data, and drawing valid conclusions.

Application in Biostatistics

• Biostatistics applies statistical tools specifically to biological sciences and medicine.
• Important in a variety of fields: business, education, psychology, agriculture, and economics.

Data Definition and Collection

• Data consists of collected observations, including measurements or survey responses.
• A single value is termed as a datum; examples include patient weight (e.g., 64 kg) or temperature (e.g., 37 degrees Celsius).

Sources of Data

• Statistical inquiries require data derived from various sources to answer specific questions.

Routinely Kept Records

• First source to explore for data, such as hospital medical and accounting records.
• Contains extensive information on patient care and business activities within healthcare facilities.

Surveys

• Useful when existing records do not provide necessary data.
• Example: A clinic might survey patients to determine their mode of transportation for visits if this information is absent from admission forms.

Experiments

• Data may be collected from experiments designed to test specific strategies or hypotheses.
• Example: Nurses can evaluate different motivational strategies for patient compliance through controlled experiments to determine effectiveness.